New Zealand have the championship all tied up but it’s still a 3 way fight for second. Here are my Rugby Championship round 5 predictions.
First here is a link to my round-up of last weekend’s action from around the globe.
How did your round 4 predictions go?
2 from 2, I’m still 100% for the tournament!
Here are my predictions, read below for the reasons.
South Africa v Australia
The round kicks off with the more intriguing of the 2 games. Many of us have been saying that we can’t see what the Boks are trying to do. This is a must win game for Coetzee or there will already be calls for him to be gone I think. He has been bringing through a young inexperienced halfback pair and that’s shown with their lack of composure. I hope that he does stick with them and Lambie comes onto the bench now he’s back from concussion. They will be better for these experiences and need time to get used to the pace of International rugby.
Australia also have capped a lot of new players this season. Of the last 2 games as they have not had to face the All Blacks they have looked much better. Their line speed in defence was up and they were back to resembling their form froth Rugby World Cup. But recreating that over in South Africa at altitude for 80 minutes is going to be another thing. I’m backing the home side to win it as the Wallabies fade due to that altitude.
South Africa by 5
Argentina v New Zealand
I could write all sorts of reasons for this prediction but it comes down to this. New Zealand are the best side in the world and it’s hard seeing any side beat them. Their smallest winning margin int his tournament has been 20 points and so that’s what I’m going for as it’s their first long haul overseas trip. On the Pumas side of things the key thing is if Hernandez is playing, he is still the magician who make the side tick. Without him I can’t see them getting that many points so 20 will look small.
New Zealand by 20
Do give me your views below in the comments and enjoy the rugby this weekend where ever you may be watching.
#RugbyChat
Join the #RugbyChat on twitter for an hour of discussion about the action this weekend. If you can’t make the hour then you can still give your view as the conversation keeps going over the following day.
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