In more than one rugby pub this week I’ve heard people offer the same opinion about the Reds and Blues, and the Crusaders and Stormers matches. The popular opinion is that these games will be a solid glimpse of what will be on show in the World Cup.
The theory is that seeing all four teams will supply some of the key players in the All Blacks, the Springboks and the Wallabies, we’ll get a preview of what we can expect to see in the World Cup.
But does that theory hold water?
For a start, none of the four coaches involved on the weekend will be coaching any of the national teams. Kiwi fans seem to be firmly in the Henry camp these days, and Aussies are fairly confident that Deans will do a good job. However, many Saffers are not thrilled about Pieter de Villiers. They fear that he’ll ignore some of the changes that have come about in the game and stick with the style that won the trophy for the Boks in 2007.
But there are other considerations besides the men at the helm – conditions for one thing. Sunny with a chance of showers, temperature around 14 -15 degrees is the forecast for Capetown. 20 degrees and sunny for Brisbane. Both with fast tracks.
Contrast this with what can be expected in New Zealand in September and October. The temperature will be lower, perhaps considerably, and the spring months still have a lot of rain in them after a wet winter. Track probably slow.
Traditionalists will say that that changes the equation – that Capetown and Brisbane will be ideal for backplay this weekend, while Auckland and the other New Zealand towns will favour forward play in the World Cup.
Another question is this: will semi-final rugby be as cautious as Test rugby? Will the spoils belong to the adventurous this weekend, but the conservative in September/October?
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.
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