Opinion
If the June series and the opening rounds of The Rugby Championship have taught us anything, it’s that forward dominance wins Test matches.
Having said that, it’s the brain ahead of the brawn that leads to forward dominance.
The South African pack, as always, are behemoths. They dominate in the set piece and play to that strength, however the Wallabies’ great defensive scrum effort defeated that threat.
The Australians’ technical approach to both scrum and lineouts were extremely effective, despite losing a number of our own lineouts.
Argentina over the All Blacks was similar, as New Zealand appeared to dominate the set piece early on, but the Pumas applied pressure and tactics when it mattered.
Whether Argentina and Australia show consistency over the coming weeks is another question, but they certainly showed character and courage in their wins.
For all of the blood letting across the ditch, the Northern Hemisphere nations have always had a forward-dominated gameplan, but the skills and endeavour in the backs was lacking.
That has been reversed in recent years and it is why the Northern Hemisphere teams are standing atop the rankings.
The All Blacks are still probably the most skilful team but structures are nullifying this attack as it is becoming predictable.
If their passes stick, they, quite simply, score more.
Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown of the All Blacks celebrate a try (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
Ireland and Argentina have both stormed the Kiwi castle by sheer forward dominance. Although the packs have been reasonably equal in terms of size, the set piece has been the area of dominance for both teams, which will make Ireland a huge threat come World Cup 2023. The Argies may well find similar success, albeit with two big scalps from Wallabies and the All Blacks, but over back-to-back Tests.
The Wallabies are a different kettle of fish altogether. They were atrocious against Argentina, then dominated a huge South African pack through their wits (and perhaps a couple of 50-50 calls).
While the likes of Ireland and Argentina are gaining consistency, the Wallabies, South Africa and New Zealand are showing much of the same.
Australia had their most consistent performance in years, for 70 minutes, but can they do it next week?
Playing smart is proving to be the measure over playing tough.
Let’s hope the Wallabies show consistency next week and the Argies can continue their terrific form.
The November tours will be crucial for next year’s World Cup.
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.
It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
The youngster was playing his first Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, but his game wasn't the main talking point after the game.
Is this a sign that rugby laws are getting too tricky, even for the players and commentators?
The kick of around 50 metres got the Reds well downfield!
Wallaby Jordie Petaia is in doubt for the rest of the Super Rugby season, and potentially Australia's Test series against Wales, after suffering a…
The Reds centre had to leave the field to get the shoulder popped in, with fears he will need several weeks on the sideline…
