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Weekend Round Up: The Southern Hemisphere Strikes Back
By RugbyPass
Last weekend, touring northern hemisphere sides were – mostly – on top. This weekend, things were very, very different – but no less thrilling
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Australia vs Italy
Anyone who takes a look at the final score, and recalls the two teams’ records against each other would think this was a foregone conclusion that was really not worth a second glance. That would be a mistake, even though – early in the second half – a 15-point gap suggested otherwise. With 13 minutes to go, that lead had been trimmed to just one point – and things were just a little tense…
New Zealand vs Lions
Despite the pre-match hype, only the die-hardest of Lions fans would have seriously suggested the result of the opening Test at Eden Park was ever in doubt. But forget the result. This was one of the great Test matches of recent years. And that try. So settle down and watch this truly epic match again. And again. And again. Then invite round anyone you know who thinks rugby is boring. And watch it once more.
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South Africa vs France
Here’s a random fact. Coming into this game, France had a 100% record against South Africa at Ellis Park – or whatever hellish name it officially goes by now after the naming rights were sold. But the Springboks had already won the three-match series, their dander was up, and they had their eyes on a whitewash. What followed would not win new fans to the game, but home fans will take the confidence-boost ahead of the rather more serious Rugby Championship. France, on the other hand…
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Argentina vs Georgia
This was a game Argentina had to win, after five defeats on the bounce. They dutifully did – but gave up 14 unanswered points in the final quarter when they really should have been accelerating away. And the way their scrum gave ground was very unArgentinian. Plenty for the coaching team to consider going into the Rugby Championship.
