International Rugby : The Revival
- Charlie Hynes
- Sep 21, 2018
- 3 min read
Just over a year ago I wrote an article talking about the 'Death of International Rugby in which I talked about how it looked very much like a two horse race for the World Cup next year. However, what a difference a year makes. England going from World Cup contender to losing 6 matches in a row and losing a series to the Springboks who looked all over the place a year ago.
Fast forward 11 months and we've just had one of the most shocking weekends in recent years of international rugby with the Pumas beating Australia and the unbeatable All Blacks were beaten by the rejuvenated Springboks. So what does this mean with a year to go towards the World Cup:
The Boks are back
In my previous article I spoke about how International Rugby isn't the same without a dangerous South Africa side. Rassie Erasmus took over the car crash that was South African Rugby in February this year and since then they have looked liked a totally different side taking a three test series against England and most notably beating the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time since 2009.
One of the noticeable changes in the way the Springboks played last weekend to how they played a year ago was their ability to adapt to the game they were in. It started off as a typical All Blacks game with them going 2 tries up with in 15 minutes and South Africa had been exposed by the use of the All Blacks forwards handling out wide. However, South Africa learnt from this and shut down that option out wide.
Another way they adapted was their mentality after 15 minutes. They realised that even though a big part of their game is their strong defence, they would have to attack and outscore the All Blacks. I know this sounds obvious but this current All Blacks team will attack you from anywhere so if you can take on fire with fire then you have a chance. Even if you get these chances you might only just be in with a chance so if you get them you have to take them and thankfully on Saturday South Africa did. They also managed to capatilise on New Zealand's need to overplay at times which lead to mistakes such as the Willie Le Roux try from a poor Jordie Barrett quick lineout.
If Erasmus can continue this revolution then the Green and Gold should definitely be in with a chance of going far in Japan next year.
Argentina are competitive
When The Pumas were added to the Rugby Championship back in 2012 everyone expected them to improve due to playing the World's best sides every year. However they have not quite reached the heights that everyone hoped they would. This seemed to happen again before this years Championship with the Jaguares playing some great running rugby in Super Rugby so therefore that meant that Los Pumas should play equally as good Rugby due to the fact that they must play for the home franchise to qualify for selection.
This weekend saw the first real sign of progress as they beat the Wallabies in a great match. Admittedly Australia should have snatch it at the death if Israel Folau had not tried to be the hero and instead passed to Foley in the two on one. This takes nothing away from the Argentine effort as they matched Australia in most areas of the pitch and took their chances when they got them.
Argentina have all the qualities of a great side with a strong athletic pack, a world class 10 and a good long range goal kicker, they just need to make sure they play to these strengths and don't try to play a way that doesn't suit them. If so I can see them taking big scalps next year like when the beat Ireland in 2015.
Unpredictability is back in the game
If other international sides took one big thing away from lasts weekends results it will be that within the top 9 sides of the world rankings anyone can beat anyone. Obviously the All Blacks are still favourites for the World Cup but last weekend's result just proved that they are human and that if you capitalise on their mistakes then you're in with a chance. This Autumn coming should be one of the most interesting in a long time with a wounded England facing the All Blacks for the first time in 4 years and a young Wales side and exciting Scotland side looking to make further progress from their performances in the 6 Nations. Only after the Autumn will we have a better idea of the true contenders for the World Cup.
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