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The All Blacks aren’t the only team looking to go four for four in November. The Boks are figuring how to pull off the same trick.
In fact, some rugby pundits, in both New Zealand and South Africa, are musing that it will come down to a competition between the two Southern Hemisphere teams.
Which of them can come away with the best points for-and-against record?
Of course, for both teams to pull off a Grand Slam, they’ll have to beat the cream of this year’s crop, Ireland, who always play good rugby against Southern Hemisphere sides.
It will be a first for Ireland if they can top the All Blacks, while they destroyed the ‘Boks at Landsdowne Road in 2006, 32-15.
Although Scotland came out ahead of the Wallabies last time out, nobody’s tipping the Scots to upset the All Blacks or the ‘Boks in November.
As for Wales, they’re formidable but not a team that’s gelling yet.
Their record against New Zealand is three wins out of 25 games, while they’ve beaten the ‘Boks once in 23 games. As a comparison – I hope Sheek, the forum’s resident historian, will give us the exact figure – Wales have beaten the Wallabies at least ten times.
Wales’ chance for a second win over the Boks will come June 5th when they’ll play what will be, in effect, South Africa A.
This is a game arranged for revenue and future favours.
The ‘Boks have to hold back many of their big guns for the game against France in Capetown, June 12. France have a good record against South Africa, winning ten to the South Africa’s 20, with six draws.
Any current ‘Boks who do make the slog to Wales and back will be mighty tired, one of the reasons the French are confident.
But it’s Wales who’ll be the most fatigued in June.
After they bust a gut to beat the ‘Boks on the 5th, they fly all the way to Auckland a day or two later. They play the All Blacks on the 19th at Carisbrook and again a week later at Waikato.
So the forum has already discussed at some length the chances of the mighty All Blacks pulling off a Grand Slam.
Let’s talk about the Boks and their chances of doing the same.
And if you’re of the opinion that both teams will do it, which will have the better for-and-against record?
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.