The Rugby Championship came alive in July, and the Southern Hemisphere is buzzing with scintillating rugby action. It will be nonstop rugby action for rugby fans, with the Rugby World Cup 2023 set to kick off in France later in the year. With ticket demand rising, many reseller platforms worldwide, such as Seatsnet.com, are seeing increased demand for the Championship games.
The first week saw a great start to the nonstop rugby action, with the All Blacks and the Springboks taking major honors. In the first game played in Pretoria, South Africa, the hosts' Springboks to a commanding 43-12 win against eh Wallabies while a dominant All Blacks side clinched a 41-12 win against the Pumas.
Here are key takeaways from the opening games.
Demolition job by the Springboks
It was a new wave of hope for the Wallabies, under their legendary coach Eddie Jones back in the coaching seat. This move led to more fans opting to even make the trip to South Africa for the match with tickets, as per Seatsnet.com.
However, to the fans' disappointment, the Wallabies look like the same outfit. Following the 43-12 loss, several key takeaways emerged from the game at Loftus Versfeld.
The match started positively for the new-look Wallabies but quickly unraveled as the Springboks showcased pure pragmatic power rugby. The South Africans delivered a masterclass performance, epitomizing their traditional values of directness, fearlessness, dominance, and physicality. Their authority was evident as they crossed the try line seven times, including a hat-trick by Kurt-Lee Arendse, demonstrating a new team emerging for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Gainline Obliteration by the Bok Eight
The Springbok pack annihilated the Wallabies in contact, displaying their sheer power and physicality. Led by Jean Kleyn, the Bok forwards stormed through the gold shirts of the Wallabies, overwhelming them like a runaway juggernaut. Marvin Orie and Marco van Staden made significant contributions with their offloading and ball-carrying skills. The gain line dominance extended beyond the pack, with Andre Esterhuizen making thundering runs down the middle.
Eddie Jones' Worries for the Wallabies
The Wallabies faced significant challenges in their performance. They struggled in the set piece and needed more defensive presence and power in their attacking game. While they showed promise with the ball in hand, their inability to win collisions hindered their ability to compete at the highest level. The scrummage was a significant concern, and Australia must find solutions to improve its performance in these areas.
Pleasing Aspects and Bok Bonuses
The Springboks showcased their speed in attack and willingness to use the width of the pitch. Manie Libbok brought spark and vision to the team as an unconventional flyhalf, adding ambition and daring to the Bok side. Veterans Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen looked back to their world-class best, while the return of RG Snyman added strength to the team. The Springboks' performance was nearly flawless, with only minor issues in the lineout and an initial adjustment period.
Looking Ahead and Coaching Challenges
South Africa faces their toughest test next week when they face New Zealand, while the Wallabies have a home fixture against Argentina. The Springboks find themselves in a favorable position with tough selection decisions, highlighting their depth and performance.
However, the convincing win by the Springboks would propel ticket sales for the upcoming games, adds trusted ticketing retailer Seatsnet.com, with the rest of the fixtures to unfold in the coming weeks.
Eddie Jones and the Wallabies must address various issues to avoid a disastrous Rugby Championship campaign. Jones, known for his coaching prowess, now faces the challenge of guiding his team to improvement and cohesion.
Dominant Performance and Clinical Attack from the All Blacks
After a disastrous run last year, All Blacks this year are out to make a statement. Starting the Rugby Championship on Argentinian soil, they came out with a clinical performance that would restore faith in their loyal worldwide supporters that ‘the All Blacks are still in the game.'
Last season saw the fans in distress, and ticketing platforms such as Seatsnet.com indicated ticket demand has plummeted. But this opening game should re-incarnate hope.
The All Blacks quickly gained control of the match, posting 31 unanswered points in the first half. Their success stemmed from their ability to set a solid platform and maintain a fast-paced attack. Argentina struggled to slow down the All Blacks' tempo, allowing their opponents to dictate the game. The combination of Damian McKenzie and the Barrett brothers proved too much for the Pumas.
Set-Piece Solidity and Outstanding Coaching
The All Blacks' forwards showcased their strength in the set-piece, thanks in part to the excellent coaching of Jason Ryan. The scrum, lineout, and driving maul were all threats, demonstrating the efficiency and cohesion of the front five. The performances of Scott Barrett and Josh Lord, filling in for key players, highlighted the depth and skill within the pack. The All Blacks' forward work is among the best in the world and will be a formidable challenge for upcoming opponents.
Promising Performance by Damian McKenzie
Damian McKenzie delivered a top-notch performance at flyhalf, showcasing his form from Super Rugby on the international stage. His speed, slick handling, and ability to take the ball flat caused numerous problems for the Pumas. McKenzie's performance solidified his position as a Test flyhalf and raised the competition with Richie Mo'unga for the starting jersey at the Rugby World Cup.
Earlier, McKenzie was shown the exit with Mo'unga at #10, but the last Super Rugby season brought out the best in the little flyhalf, pleasing the fans and the selectors.
He left a lasting impression on the coaches with his outstanding performance.
Mistake-Ridden Pumas and Concerns for Cheika
The Pumas' performance could have been better, with numerous mistakes and a lack of cohesion in defense, attack, and the set-piece. The team appeared shell-shocked by the All Blacks' dominance. The errors made in the first half hindered their chances of a comeback.
Michael Cheika's side needs a strong response in their upcoming match against the Wallabies to regain confidence and improve their performance.
It was a full house in Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, the first time Argentina hosted the All Blacks out of Buenos Aires, and Seatsnet.com indicates that this momentum will continue regardless of the outcome for all the Pumas games.
Tournament Decider on the Horizon
With the Rugby Championship shortened, the upcoming clash between the All Blacks and Springboks carries significant weight. New Zealand and South Africa have emerged as frontrunners, while Australia and Argentina have fallen behind based on their opening-round performances.
The All Blacks and Springboks match promises to be an exciting and pivotal encounter, setting the stage for an intense battle for the championship.
The next few weeks will decide who will come on top, which will prepare the teams well before the Rugby World Cup 2024. Tickets for the Rugby Championship are selling fast on Seatsnet.com as fans want one final look at their teams before they head to France for the big dance.
