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A few weeks ago I wrote a column discussing how South Africa v New Zealand is rugby’s greatest rivalry and how this year’s games played in New Zealand would determine who the world’s best rugby team is.
There was New Zealand, who seldom suffered any defeats under the coaching of Graeme Henry, but who didn’t win the world cup.
Then there was South Africa, World Champions and ranked number one in the world. Who holds the crown of world’s best?
After the first game in New Zealand I thought it was quite clear who the world’s best team was.
New Zealand comprehensively thumped South Africa in the first game, and much of South Africa’s performance left something to be desired.
The New Zealand media were quick to write about South Africa’s supposed easy draw in the world cup! How they weren’t properly tested and never beat New Zealand.
I myself alluded to the fact that I didn’t think South Africa would have won the World Cup if they had to play New Zealand.
With the absence of John Smit I thought South Africa would struggle. While Smit may not be a great hooker like perhaps Ibanez or Wood were, his leadership qualities are underrated and he’s a vital component of the South African winning mentality.
However, all the credit in the world must go to South Africa for rebounding off their loss and beating New Zealand 30-28 in what was a brilliant game of Test match rugby.
I must say I really enjoyed myself. But it left me thinking… who holds the crown of world’s best?
Let’s say, for instance, that New Zealand defeat South Africa on August 17 in Cape Town. Can we say that New Zealand is better than South Africa because they achieved an away win?
Then again, South Africa achieved an away win after a loss, and who’s to say that couldn’t win another game against New Zealand after a loss?
If South Africa wins their game against New Zealand on August 17 does that make them the world’s best? I’m sure there are some who will allude to the fact that they had a home advantage… but then again, so did New Zealand when they lost 28-30.
Can Australia be used as a factor to determine who the world’s best is? Say South Africa loses to New Zealand in South Africa, but they might beat in Australia at home and away, obtaining the points necessary to win the Tri Nations.
Is the Tri Nations itself enough to determine who the world’s best is? There are so many different scenarios that can result from this Tri Nations tournament that I’m uncertain as to how we should ascertain who the best rugby team in the world.
I think I’ll use the game between New Zealand and South Africa on August 17 as a means to decide who the best rugby team in the world is. South Africa got one on New Zealand in New Zealand… now the onus is one New Zealand to pay them back!
However, I would like to ask all of you the question: Who do you think is the best rugby team in the world right now?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.