New Rugby Paper Roundup: Springboks on top! Are the All Blacks back? + Nations Championship review

In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by South African rugby journalist Avuyile Sawula to review a fascinating opening chapter of the Nations Championship.

The Springboks finished top after a perfect three-from-three record, the All Blacks rediscovered their swagger, England ended the window on a high, and the road to November is already taking shape.

Springboks setting the standard

South Africa completed a flawless July campaign with a dominant 43-0 victory over Wales and continue to look like the benchmark in world rugby.

We discuss…

• Why Rassie Erasmus has created extraordinary squad depth
• Paul de Villiers’ emergence and the next generation of Springboks
• Whether South Africa’s greatest strength is now the 50 or 60 Test-quality players at their disposal
• Why the Springboks continue to evolve despite sitting at the top of the world game

Are the All Blacks back?

New Zealand‘s impressive victory over Ireland has many believing the All Blacks are back to their brilliant best.

We discuss…

• Will Jordan reaching 50 Test tries in just 56 appearances
• Where New Zealand have closed the gap on South Africa

England, Argentina & the rest

• Steve Borthwick’s progress during the July window
• England’s improving attack and continued discipline concerns
• The fiery conclusion to the Argentina match
• Whether England are building genuine momentum ahead of the autumn

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