The Rugby Championship

[OomStruisbaai]

The NH lot go to rest. The real rugby begins.

The competition this year begins with World Cup winners South Africa hosting Rugby Championship title-holders New Zealand on August 6 in Nelspruit and in Johannesburg on August 13.

On the same dates, Argentina will host Australia in Mendoza and San Juan.

On August 27 and September 3, New Zealand play Argentina in Christchurch and Hamilton while Australia play South Africa in Adelaide and Sydney.

In the final rounds, on September 15 and 24, New Zealand play Australia in Melbourne and Auckland while South Africa play Argentina in Buenos Aires (September 17) and Durban.

6 Aug
17:00 (SAST) | 03:00 NZT (Sun) | 15:00 (GMT) : Springboks v New Zealand
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

16:05 AST | 05:05 AEST (Sun) | 21:05 (SAST) | 19:05 (GMT): Argentina v Australia
Estadio Malvinas, Mendoza

13 Aug
17:05 (SAST) | 03:05 NZT (Sun) | 15:05 (GMT): Springboks v New Zealand
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

16:05 AST | 05:05 AEST (Sun) | 21:05 (SAST) | 19:05 (GMT): Argentina v Australia
Estadio Bicentenario, San Juan

27 Aug
19:35 NZT | 04:35 AST | 16:05 AST | 09:35 (SAST) | 07:35 (GMT): New Zealand v Argentina
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

20:00 AEST | 07:00 AST | 12:00 (SAST) | 10:00 (GMT): Australia v Springboks
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

3 Sep
19:35 NZT | 04:35 AST | 09:35 (SAST) | 07:35 (GMT): New Zealand v Argentina
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch

20:00 AEST | 12:00 (SAST) | 07:00 AST | 10:00 (GMT): Australia v Springboks
Allianz Stadium, Sydney

17 Sep
20:00 AEST | 13L00 NZT | 12:00 (SAST) | 07:00 AST | 10:00 (GMT): Australia v New Zealand
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne

16:10 AST | 21:10 (SAST) | 19:10 (GMT): Argentina v Springboks
Estadio Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires

24 Sep
19:35 NZT |16:35 AEST | 09:35 (SAST) | 07:35 (GMT): New Zealand v Australia
Eden Park, Auckland

17:05 (SAST) | 12:05 AST | 15:05 (GMT): Springboks v Argentina
Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

[FalseBayFC]

After watching all the matches I got to say that the Boks are behind the ABs and Wallabies going into this tournament. There forwards aren't far off ours and their backlines will shred us.

[JM2K6]

The real rugby played by teams with a 50% record at home this year against the 6N sides, not even including the 6N champions. Good one!

[OomStruisbaai]

After watching all the matches I got to say that the Boks are behind the ABs and Wallabies going into this tournament. There forwards aren't far off ours and their backlines will shred us.

I am not so sure about that. Our defense structure is much stronger then all the others (including Ireland and England).We need to play more attacking , like yesterday we'll be fine.

[OomStruisbaai]

The real rugby played by teams with a 50% record at home this year against the 6N sides, not even including the 6N champions. Good one!

Didn't mean to upset you Boet. Was more about our SH time frame. We are a bit confused with no CC like in the past.

[Grandpa]

Hopefully SA will make sure Foster never coaches in NZ again

[Masterji]

The ABs are awful relative to their standards. The Boks are also poor. They have amazing backs but they never use them. And as soon as a team matches them physically, they have nothing.

[OomStruisbaai]

You never get a weak All Blacks team. The Boks will bring the best out of them. We'll be lucky to win one.

[Ymx]

You never get a weak All Blacks team. The Boks will bring the best out of them. We'll be lucky to win one.

We’ve just lost 4 from our last 5 games. I’d say that’s the definition of weak. Also, we are looking worse every game we play.

From a scientific point of view it’s interesting to see how badly they can become from terrible coaching.

[Ymx]

How low can we go??

[PCPhil]

How low can we go??

Well, a bit more yet I suppose.

[OomStruisbaai]

Not long ago the Springboks were 6th. Rankings don't mean anything when the Springboks and All Blacks clash.

[Guy Smiley]

Not long ago the Springboks were 6th. Rankings don't mean anything when the Springboks and All Blacks clash.

Stop talking nonsense about weak and strong All Black teams Oom, you're making a fool of yourself.

Everyone can see this AB team is a mess. We haven't seen them this bad since 1998.

The current coach has been put on notice by NZR that his and the team's performances are under the microscope so he's under huge pressure to keep his job. There's a slim chance he could be sacked before or during the RC. NZ are in disarray.

I think they have no chance of winning the RC and could actually lose the Bledisloe to Oz this year. That would be the worst we've seen from them in over 20 years.

Face the facts and accept it.

[OomStruisbaai]

I'll mark your quote, Ben Smith don't agree with you.


https://rugby365.com/countries/new-zeal ... hip-looms/

The Boks cannot run anything as Ireland can, so the reads will be easier and the defence will not need to improve to see better results,” Smith said in his column on RugbyPass.

“It will be direct, physical, unimaginative stuff that the All Blacks will just have to man up for.

“The best thing [All Black coach Ian] Foster could hope for would be for the Springboks to get ahead of themselves and copy Ireland’s formula, as they would not doubt implode without the same level of skills and the All Blacks counter-attack game would run riot.

“However, after a historically bad run against France and Ireland, they will travel to South Africa as underdogs.

“The Springboks have to be short favourites at home to sweep them over the two tests purely on this alone.

“Expectations are now terribly low for this All Blacks side that most would expect one, if not two, losses in the Republic.

“But the Springboks are not Ireland, so the script will be written differently.

“All the expectations now weigh on South Africa whose adoring fans are desperate to be crowned the world’s best again.

“Well, here are Foster’s All Blacks who have just lost four of their last five tests. The perfect lamb.”

Surely he watch the URC.

[Grandpa]

Seems Ben Smith agrees with Guy? SA favourites?

[Sards]

After watching all the matches I got to say that the Boks are behind the ABs and Wallabies going into this tournament. There forwards aren't far off ours and their backlines will shred us.

I am not so sure about that. Our defense structure is much stronger then all the others (including Ireland and England).We need to play more attacking , like yesterday we'll be fine.

Dont talk kak

Ireland and England would have smashed us on the weekend.

We were poor.

And our boys beat up the Welsh the weekend before so they were pap....so couldn't give their best.
The skills in the Welsh were painfully way above ours. They just did not have the legs.

[OomStruisbaai]

After watching all the matches I got to say that the Boks are behind the ABs and Wallabies going into this tournament. There forwards aren't far off ours and their backlines will shred us.

I am not so sure about that. Our defense structure is much stronger then all the others (including Ireland and England).We need to play more attacking , like yesterday we'll be fine.

Dont talk kak

Ireland and England would have smashed us on the weekend.

We were poor.

And our boys beat up the Welsh the weekend before so they were pap....so couldn't give their best.
The skills in the Welsh were painfully way above ours. They just did not have the legs.

All Blacks by 50 then?

[Thor Sedan]

It is easy to imagine NZ being the bottom of the pile this RC rotation.

They won't get a win in SA. Regardless of what SA fans are saying - SA will boss the forward battle - NZ will have no front foot ball to feed on and no one in the AB's backline can unlock a defence when they aren't moving forward. They'll just kick and hope and look shocked when it doesn't come off.

Argentina won't give the AB's as much grief in the forwards - but at the breakdown and in the midfield it could be tricky. I could see a win each between these 2.

And then say goodbye to the Bledisloe - Aussie to sweep NZ home and away.

So maybe 1 win for NZ - possibly 2. Wooden spoon will likely be between AB's and Argentina - SA eventual winners.

[Sards]

All Blacks by 50 then?

Tbh. I have never watched a more brutal attack and defense on a rugby field as the prior weekend, in the modern era of cameras. I was cringing for the Welsh. And kudos to the Welsh, they weathered it and never gave up. Such commitment. And won the game. But I am quite sure those bodies were hurting against this past weekend's team. We should have put 50 past them. You could see they lacked the intensity of the previous weekend. As badly as the Welsh sided did in the URC, they are a different side when they pull on the national jersey. I have so much respect for them. Great skills. I wish we had a Biggar.

[Sards]

It is easy to imagine NZ being the bottom of the pile this RC rotation.

They won't get a win in SA. Regardless of what SA fans are saying - SA will boss the forward battle - NZ will have no front foot ball to feed on and no one in the AB's backline can unlock a defence when they aren't moving forward. They'll just kick and hope and look shocked when it doesn't come off.

Argentina won't give the AB's as much grief in the forwards - but at the breakdown and in the midfield it could be tricky. I could see a win each between these 2.

And then say goodbye to the Bledisloe - Aussie to sweep NZ home and away.

So maybe 1 win for NZ - possibly 2. Wooden spoon will likely be between AB's and Argentina - SA eventual winners.

Our forwards are definitely more dynamic and committed than the ABs forwards. Wasn't impressed at all with what I saw last weekend. It was too easy for the Irish. We struggled in the loose and the strict interpretation of the law when we first moved north. It's still a struggle. But what I noticed is that they are a lot smarter in how they push and play around the ref. Our initial results were very poor. Then we started learning and improving. ABs and Aussies haven't had that luxury. And their flyhalves are sensational. So skillful and accurate with the boot. It's a different world now. Defense is so organized that line breaks are rare.

I don't know how it's going to be when we play against NZ and Aus. I just know we don't have a great record lately because the ABs and Aussies go at pace and we don't like that.

[Thor Sedan]

It is easy to imagine NZ being the bottom of the pile this RC rotation.

They won't get a win in SA. Regardless of what SA fans are saying - SA will boss the forward battle - NZ will have no front foot ball to feed on and no one in the AB's backline can unlock a defence when they aren't moving forward. They'll just kick and hope and look shocked when it doesn't come off.

Argentina won't give the AB's as much grief in the forwards - but at the breakdown and in the midfield it could be tricky. I could see a win each between these 2.

And then say goodbye to the Bledisloe - Aussie to sweep NZ home and away.

So maybe 1 win for NZ - possibly 2. Wooden spoon will likely be between AB's and Argentina - SA eventual winners.

Our forwards are definitely more dynamic and committed than the ABs forwards. Wasn't impressed at all with what I saw last weekend. It was too easy for the Irish. We struggled in the loose and the strict interpretation of the law when we first moved north. It's still a struggle. But what I noticed is that they are a lot smarter in how they push and play around the ref. Our initial results were very poor. Then we started learning and improving. ABs and Aussies haven't had that luxury. And their flyhalves are sensational. So skillful and accurate with the boot. It's a different world now. Defense is so organized that line breaks are rare.

Sorry.....whose flyhalfs are skillful and accurate?

[Sards]

It is easy to imagine NZ being the bottom of the pile this RC rotation.

They won't get a win in SA. Regardless of what SA fans are saying - SA will boss the forward battle - NZ will have no front foot ball to feed on and no one in the AB's backline can unlock a defence when they aren't moving forward. They'll just kick and hope and look shocked when it doesn't come off.

Argentina won't give the AB's as much grief in the forwards - but at the breakdown and in the midfield it could be tricky. I could see a win each between these 2.

And then say goodbye to the Bledisloe - Aussie to sweep NZ home and away.

So maybe 1 win for NZ - possibly 2. Wooden spoon will likely be between AB's and Argentina - SA eventual winners.

Our forwards are definitely more dynamic and committed than the ABs forwards. Wasn't impressed at all with what I saw last weekend. It was too easy for the Irish. We struggled in the loose and the strict interpretation of the law when we first moved north. It's still a struggle. But what I noticed is that they are a lot smarter in how they push and play around the ref. Our initial results were very poor. Then we started learning and improving. ABs and Aussies haven't had that luxury. And their flyhalves are sensational. So skillful and accurate with the boot. It's a different world now. Defense is so organized that line breaks are rare.

Sorry.....whose flyhalfs are skillful and accurate?

The NH flyhalves.

Sorry I waa referring to them but playing them as we have this past year has been an eye opener.
That's why I wouldn't read too much into the ABs and Aussies losses. I am sure you will sort it out. And we most certainly don't have the skills in the backline that the Irish, Welsh and English have. So there is definitely opportunity there. If you can crack the defense.

[Thor Sedan]

The NH flyhalves.

Sorry I waa referring to them but playing them as we have this past year has been an eye opener.
That's why I wouldn't read too much into the ABs and Aussies losses. I am sure you will sort it out. And we most certainly don't have the skills in the backline that the Irish, Welsh and English have. So there is definitely opportunity there. If you can crack the defense.

Ah.....for a crazy second I thought you were saying that the AB's flyhalf was skillful and accurate.

Admittedly Ireland are a step above where NZ are at. I imagine that Scotland and Wales are absolutely gutted they didn't have the chance to have a crack at NZ considering where NZ are at. Genuinely think that both sides would likely beat NZ at this point of time.

It is all rather depressing.

[Sards]

The NH flyhalves.

Sorry I waa referring to them but playing them as we have this past year has been an eye opener.
That's why I wouldn't read too much into the ABs and Aussies losses. I am sure you will sort it out. And we most certainly don't have the skills in the backline that the Irish, Welsh and English have. So there is definitely opportunity there. If you can crack the defense.

Ah.....for a crazy second I thought you were saying that the AB's flyhalf was skillful and accurate.

Admittedly Ireland are a step above where NZ are at. I imagine that Scotland and Wales are absolutely gutted they didn't have the chance to have a crack at NZ considering where NZ are at. Genuinely think that both sides would likely beat NZ at this point of time.

It is all rather depressing.

It can't be that bad. You have an insanely talented backline. Granted your goal kicking is not great but never has been since Carter. If you come at us with pace and intensity you will unlock us . I can't believe that the ABs cannot work on and sort out the issues.

Let's be honest. We were fortunate enough to get the weakest of the NH sides ( besides Scotland)

[OomStruisbaai]

Can we leave the NH nightmares behind please. That's done and dusted.

All Blacks will be a different beast in three weeks.

[Sards]

Can we leave the NH nightmares behind please. That's done and dusted.

All Blacks will be a different beast in three weeks.

The school of thought is that we play similar rugby as the NH so that's the concern. I don't think we are clever enough tbh.

[OomStruisbaai]

We play the same rugby plan since 2017 when Rassie took over. So no surprise here. Our forwards and defense are our strength.

[OomStruisbaai]

Leinster = Ireland got stuck against the Bulls at home, all the Irish teams lost in SA. The Irish maybe nr1 now but the All Blacks are the measure stick for us.

[Sards]

Leinster = Ireland got stuck against the Bulls at home, all the Irish teams lost in SA. The Irish maybe nr1 now but the All Blacks are the measure stick for us.

You are conveniently ignoring the Aussies. They smashed us last time.

I did go to great lengths to explain that it took us awhile to adjust to playing NH sides. Something the Aussies and Kiwis have not had the experience of

[OomStruisbaai]

Leinster = Ireland got stuck against the Bulls at home, all the Irish teams lost in SA. The Irish maybe nr1 now but the All Blacks are the measure stick for us.

You are conveniently ignoring the Aussies. They smashed us last time.

I did go to great lengths to explain that it took us awhile to adjust to playing NH sides. Something the Aussies and Kiwis have not had the experience of

Let's first get past the All Blacks. The Wallabies tour Argentina and have to get past their x coach.

[Thor Sedan]

The NH flyhalves.

Sorry I waa referring to them but playing them as we have this past year has been an eye opener.
That's why I wouldn't read too much into the ABs and Aussies losses. I am sure you will sort it out. And we most certainly don't have the skills in the backline that the Irish, Welsh and English have. So there is definitely opportunity there. If you can crack the defense.

Ah.....for a crazy second I thought you were saying that the AB's flyhalf was skillful and accurate.

Admittedly Ireland are a step above where NZ are at. I imagine that Scotland and Wales are absolutely gutted they didn't have the chance to have a crack at NZ considering where NZ are at. Genuinely think that both sides would likely beat NZ at this point of time.

It is all rather depressing.

It can't be that bad. You have an insanely talented backline. Granted your goal kicking is not great but never has been since Carter. If you come at us with pace and intensity you will unlock us . I can't believe that the ABs cannot work on and sort out the issues.

Let's be honest. We were fortunate enough to get the weakest of the NH sides ( besides Scotland)

That's the problem for us.....it IS that bad. Our backline isn't that talented - and usually we had a couple of clever brains in there to unlock challenges. We don't have that now.....at all. I mean part of me is wondering if D Mac might make the difference.

And the big worry that most of us have is that we don't have the coaching team to sort things out - in fact it appears that comments made suggest that Foster has lost or is losing the dressing room.

[Gumboot]

That's the problem for us.....it IS that bad. Our backline isn't that talented - and usually we had a couple of clever brains in there to unlock challenges. We don't have that now.....at all. I mean part of me is wondering if D Mac might make the difference.

And the big worry that most of us have is that we don't have the coaching team to sort things out - in fact it appears that comments made suggest that Foster has lost or is losing the dressing room.

Hopefully NZR has been furiously canvassing the players over the past 48 hours. Apparently Foster "reviewed well" after the EOYT, but his assistants like Plumtree and Feek, not so much. And given the often woeful defence against Ireland, you'd have to think McLeod's on thin ice as well. I don't think many punters will accept Foster keeping his job and his assistants being made the escape goats, but it wouldn't surprise me if that's what NZR do - paper over the cracks... again.

I agree with David Moffett - there's no chance we'll win the next RWC, so we should stop focussing on that and start rebuilding for 2027 instead. Won't happen of course - it's far too sensible for NZR to even consider.

[Grandpa]

That's the problem for us.....it IS that bad. Our backline isn't that talented - and usually we had a couple of clever brains in there to unlock challenges. We don't have that now.....at all. I mean part of me is wondering if D Mac might make the difference.

And the big worry that most of us have is that we don't have the coaching team to sort things out - in fact it appears that comments made suggest that Foster has lost or is losing the dressing room.

Hopefully NZR has been furiously canvassing the players over the past 48 hours. Apparently Foster "reviewed well" after the EOYT, but his assistants like Plumtree and Feek, not so much. And given the often woeful defence against Ireland, you'd have to think McLeod's on thin ice as well. I don't think many punters will accept Foster keeping his job and his assistants being made the escape goats, but it wouldn't surprise me if that's what NZR do - paper over the cracks... again.

I agree with David Moffett - there's no chance we'll win the next RWC, so we should stop focussing on that and start rebuilding for 2027 instead. Won't happen of course - it's far too sensible for NZR to even consider.

I think you are correct.. that will be the cop out.. replace the assistants and keep Foster...

[Dan54]

I will be surprised if there much change in coaches before RC, the squad gets named this week, so coaches etc would have to be talking etc well before now, if there any change will be EOYT at earliest!

[Guy Smiley]

NZR are sailing into a shitstorm of a PR nightmare right now.

If they don't remove Foster and things don't improve, they'll face riots and burning effigies.

If they do remove him, then at least they have a compelling reason to justify any short term failure... losing the RC would be almost acceptable to most fans if it could be balanced against future improvement.

Lose the Bledisloe and they're screwed.

[FalseBayFC]

I'm very wary of the ABs in the RC. Richie Mo will fix the backline as a starter and with QT at 10 and Rieko back to wing that's a winning backline. Will Jordan at FB. Keep Smith at 9 and the only question mark is over centre. Should be Goodhue imo.

The forwards will click once the loose trio is balanced. Sam Cane out and Grace in. Dalton P in at blindside, Ardie at openside.

That team has too much firepower for the Boks and Wallabies.

[Gumboot]

The tight five's the most pressing issue. If that's not addressed first, tinkering with the loosies and backs is pointless.

[Grandpa]

I hope SA don't bottle it and give Foster a leg up... this dead horse has to be flogged until NZ Rugby do the right thing....

[OomStruisbaai]

I hope SA don't bottle it and give Foster a leg up... this dead horse has to be flogged until NZ Rugby do the right thing....

SA is in a win/win situation.

[Grandpa]

I hope SA don't bottle it and give Foster a leg up... this dead horse has to be flogged until NZ Rugby do the right thing....

SA is in a win/win situation.

So, even if they lose... they win?