The Springboks have emerged as the biggest winners from the opening half of the Nations Championship, with Rassie Erasmus’ depth-building strategy already paying dividends.
Three bonus-point wins, a points difference of +140 and another wave of successful Test debutants have left Erasmus with plenty to smile about as attention turns to an eagerly anticipated four-Test series against New Zealand.
The Boks keep getting stronger
Opposition coaches hoping to expose weaknesses in the world champions have instead watched Erasmus add even more strings to his bow.
The Boks swept aside England, Scotland and Wales, with the Welsh failing to score a single point, while Erasmus continued to rotate his squad and hand opportunities to new faces.
The standout example came against Wales, where 20-year-old Vusi Moyo became the youngest flyhalf to start a Test for the Springboks.
MORE: Blistering KLA sets sights on All Blacks
Rather than disrupting the team’s momentum, the new combinations have enhanced it.
“I think a lot of guys came through this Test with ticks against their name,” Erasmus said after the win in Durban.
With every passing week, competition for places is becoming fiercer – exactly what the Bok coach has been striving for.
All Blacks await
If the Boks have laid down a marker, the All Blacks have responded in kind.
Dave Rennie’s side completed an unbeaten Nations Championship campaign with an impressive 40-21 victory over Ireland, joining the Springboks at the top of the southern hemisphere standings on maximum points.
RENNIE: Boks a different beast
The All Blacks appear to have adapted quickly to Rennie’s methods, setting the stage for what promises to be a blockbuster four-Test series in South Africa next month.
“We’ve put a lot of detail into our game, the boys have really embraced it,” Rennie said.
“I’m really excited, I think we’re in a good spot.”
France lead the northern charge
While the Springboks and All Blacks have dominated in the south, France have emerged as the standout northern hemisphere side.
Fabien Galthié’s men bounced back from a narrow defeat to New Zealand by beating Australia and Japan to top the European standings despite beginning the tournament without several key players, including scrumhalf Antoine Dupont.
RECAP: Six-try France outclass Brave Blossoms
The France coach praised the attitude of his squad after their convincing victory in Tokyo.
“Everything went smoothly and, above all, the energy and commitment of the players were magnificent,” he said.
Ireland and England, meanwhile, showed flashes of quality but also exposed vulnerabilities.
Ireland struggled badly against the All Blacks after an encouraging start to the tournament, while England ended their campaign with a dramatic win over Argentina but continue to battle discipline issues after collecting nine cards in eight Tests this year.
– AFP
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Nations Championship confirms Bok strength appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Springboks have emerged as the biggest winners from the opening half of the Nations Championship, with Rassie Erasmus’ depth-building strategy already paying dividends.
The post Nations Championship confirms Bok strength appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
