Photo courtesy of http://www.visitlondon.com
The spring international series begun in earnest last night with the Boks playing Ireland, the Aussies playing Wales, Scotland playing Argentina and the All Blacks playing the ever improving English team.
The results were anything but predictable. The schizophrenic Wallabies scraped home against the Welsh, Ireland thumped up on the Boks, the Scots hammered the Pumas and the All Blacks strangled the Poms. The All Blacks squeezing the life out of teams is nothing new, but the results left me with a thought. I know, I know – another one!! The World Cup will be in the UK this time next year and as far as I can see it this should be a close run thing. The top teams appear to have very few weaknesses with all positions covered with class. What will have a bearing is the depth of the player pool.
As we know New Zealand and South Africa are blessed with player stocks in all positions. The unknown factor of course, is France who could show up with anyone and win or lose. Australia are shallow on players as are England. England, however do have some depth in key positions more so than Australia.
Apart from the big four, I think we have seen Ireland grow to a team that can beat anyone. After two close shaves against the All Blacks, one in Christchurch and another in Dublin, had it not been for some poor decisions from players and referees Ireland would’ve had their famous win. Last night they thumped the Springboks. They are, of late, one of the teams to beat at the 6 Nations. With France in their pool, it should be them or France playing the All Blacks in the Quarter Final. Oh dear….flashbacks of 2007!!!
As we have seen lately anyone can beat anyone. If the Aussies are all fit they’ll be very difficult. The Boks will be tough regardless. The poms will be tough and well prepared. The All Blacks will go in as favourites. France will be France.
What does worry me is the impact of the referees. Yes, the French beat us in Cardiff in 2007, but I wonder if the forward pass had been called who would’ve won the cup? What we saw last night at Twickenham was two great teams and the most appalling refereeing from “the worlds best” referee. I watched the New Zealand Maori play Japan and we had the same scenario – a pedantic display of me-isms. I hope in the year leading to the cup the referees learn to stay out and let the best teams win. I think in pushing shit uphill though.
Here’s to a great spring international series and year leading to the cup.
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