- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
What a weekend full of great yet interesting games. Some teams stepped up while others faulted more than your average electric fence.
Australia vs France was full of intrigue as there was no lack of want from either side; the Wallabies found ways to unsettle the French in Paris. Again Australia lacked the composure late in a game to gain a well-deserved victory, but this was still a huge step in the right direction. I doubt many would have given the Wallabies any chance of losing by just one solitary point against this very good French team.
Australia are now set to play Italy but will then go to Ireland with real belief.
Wales just for some reason find the All Blacks a team that beats them before a game – no wonder the men in black love playing in Wales. The Welsh were taken in the forwards and were totally out muscled, and then bamboozled by the black machine’s backline.
South Africa will be thinking that they let a great chance go against Ireland. As usual the Boks pack were strong, but Ireland were composed and were driven on by their traditional passionate crowd. SA are really needing a 10 that is consistent with his kicking, especially from distance, and is a genuine general for the backline.
(Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Argentina just love being the giant killers – first Australia this season and then their first win in New Zealand. Only those in the Northern Hemisphere would have written them off against England, but this is not an English side of the past where teams going there would be nervous and intimidated by the home crowd.
England were the team that least impressed as they did not show any consistent pressure and punch. Their scrums are not the strength of days gone by and they make basic mistakes when under pressure. Marcus Smith is standing too deep which is stagnant for the backline, so no real attack with penetration can happen. This makes me wonder if it is the player himself or Eddie Jones that wants Smith to stand deep?
With many believing that New Zealand, France, South Africa, and Ireland are the favourites for the Rugby World Cup, this could be the best Argentina team of all time. They have their typical forward strength but now they have a backline that is world-class with a great number ten.
Australia and Argentina have shown that they can match it with the very best teams, but consistency is now the key for the two sides.
(Photo by Ian Jacobs/MB Media/Getty Images)
What this shows is that the Southern Hemisphere and North Hemisphere teams are very even, the difference between who wins the RWC and those who struggle could be about squad depth.
One big factor will be the coaches; with team selections and the right combinations with a game plan to bring out the best in the players and the team as a whole.
What is encouraging for the Southern Hemisphere teams is that they seem to be understanding the referees in the North – win the refs over and you are halfway to winning the game.
What are your thoughts Roarers? How are different teams travelling?
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.