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Rugby Championship draw revealed; Planet Rugby

Started by Just_win21 REPLIES257 VIEWS· 13 Oct 2014, 18:00
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JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
13 Oct 2014, 18:00
#1
13 Oct 2014, 18:00#1

2015's Rugby Championship season will start with New Zealand hosting Argentina in Christchurch on Friday 17 July.

The tournament's opening round continues the following day when the Wallabies and Springboks lock horns in Brisbane.

The condensed three-round championship sees teams face each other once, with a champion to be crowned on August 8, before a stand-alone round serves as final preparation for September's much-anticipated Rugby World Cup.

SANZAR Chief Executive Greg Peters said: "The Rugby Championship continues to be one of the game's greatest tests, pitting the world's elite rugby nations against one another.

"The intense rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa has risen to lofty new heights in recent years and subsequently evolved into one of sport's 'must watch' events, captivating crowds in stadiums, bars and living rooms around the world.

"Argentina recently returned to the IRB's Top 10 and will seek to build on their inaugural victory in the championship while the Wallabies and All Blacks renew another rivalry steeped in history and tradition with clashes in Sydney and Auckland."

The first match - a Friday night battle between New Zealand and Argentina - will serve as the AMI Stadium's debut match in The Rugby Championship, although the temporary Addington, Christchurch venue has previously hosted the All Blacks on two prior occasions (a 22-19 victory over Ireland in 2012 and a 30-0 whitewash of France in 2013).

Brisbane meanwhile has proven a happy hunting ground for Australia with the Wallabies beating the Springboks on seven of eight occasions at Suncorp Stadium with their only blemish being a 38-12 defeat to the South Africans in September 2013.

The Rugby Championship commences a fortnight after the Super Rugby Final on 4 July with the last round of matches concluding on 15 August, giving teams just over a month before launching their Rugby World Cup campaigns.

The Rugby Championship 2015 schedule is as follows, with venues in Argentina and South Africa to be confirmed at a later date.

Round One:
Friday 17 July: New Zealand v Argentina - AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Saturday 18 July: Australia v South Africa - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round Two:
Saturday 25 July: South Africa v New Zealand - Venue TBC
Saturday 25 July: Argentina v Australia - Venue TBC

Round Three:
Saturday 8 August: Australia v New Zealand - ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Saturday 8 August: South Africa v Argentina - Venue TBC

Additional week (not for competition points):
Saturday 15 August: New Zealand v Australia - Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday 15 August: Argentina v South Africa - Venue TBC

JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
13 Oct 2014, 18:22
#2
13 Oct 2014, 18:22#2
Well, Beeno & co. complained about having to play the Argies first in  past RC so now the ABs will face the Argies first. You guys will travel to Oz.
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
13 Oct 2014, 23:18
#3
13 Oct 2014, 23:18#3
 Next year is going to be a big workload. Super Rugby, Rugby Championship, then obviousley the WC. I guess though it well be great prep. Particularly for NZ, SA, and Oz. I dont think winning either of these tournaments, means anything in terms of a pre-cursor to the RWC though. Wallabies wan Tri Nations in 2011, but NZ end up winning the RWC going through undefeated, and of course smashing Aussie in the semi, along with Richies hand fending off Pocock . Good draw though, NZ well have it relatively easy first up, altho Arg prooved this year they are no walk overs. 
SH
Shezza
Pro2,471 posts
SH
ShezzaPro2,471 posts
13 Oct 2014, 23:40
#4
13 Oct 2014, 23:40#4
 There aren't any June internationals next year are there?
sharkbok
sharkbok
Captain23,294 posts
sharkbok
sharkbokCaptain23,294 posts
14 Oct 2014, 00:19
#5
14 Oct 2014, 00:19#5
South Africa has the best draw. 
Getting to play the number one ranked team at home, and Australia away is better than the other way around. 
It will be a nice prep for the world cup winning the 4 nations. 
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
14 Oct 2014, 00:48
#6
14 Oct 2014, 00:48#6
 You well have to snatch it from NZ Cold, Frosty bare hands if Boks want to steal our Trophy . SA have the better draw, but so did NZ the past Three years, so its all circumstancial. Whether or not Boks performance is up to standard remains to be seen. But i well be cheering for the Boks on the Eoyt tho, you no Nh Vs Sh, Us Vs Them . On second thoughts i hope SA wins the Rc, last time Nz lost Tri and Four nations, going into Rwc NZ wan. 
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
14 Oct 2014, 06:40
#7
14 Oct 2014, 06:40#7
 Lets analyse the above - since SA plays Australia away and have two games against Argentina - one home and one away - they would have 2 away games and 1 home game.
New Zealand has two home games (against Australia and one against Argenina)  and one away game against Australia.    There other away game will have to be against SA and one cn be reasonablysure it will be in Johannesburg.
Shezza
There will be no June test window next year and the Super Series will run through to the first week in July.
Just as an aside - the fact is that the SH teams wille ach play 4 tests before the WC, but there is no info our about tests being scheduled for the NH nations before the WC.  Since the club season in th NH effectively ends in June at the latest - unless some tests are schduled for them - their teams would have very little match practice going into the WC.   One would assuethat they are going to play a few tests late in July and early in August 2015.    
   
    
JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
14 Oct 2014, 07:06
#8
14 Oct 2014, 07:06#8
I don't think all teams will worry about winning the games leading up to the RWC IMO the concern will be to tune up players, to ensure depth is developed and to tune up game plans. 
Mental confidence will also be stressed. This will mean some teams will need to win as their confidence levels may demand it. For some teams this will be secondary. May be the ABs are in this second category.
sharkbok
sharkbok
Captain23,294 posts
sharkbok
sharkbokCaptain23,294 posts
14 Oct 2014, 07:14
#9
14 Oct 2014, 07:14#9
Just_win, it seems to me that you subconscious is getting scared. 
I agree that it will be to refine the game plan and get players into peak condition mentally and physically. 
Although I doubt any team would want to go into the World Cup off the back off a loss. 

SA have Argentina at home which is a likely win. The away game against the Argies is not scored in the tournament. Based on current form the Boks must be favourites to beat Australia away. 
This would leave the All Blacks. Our forward pack will not be overplayed in the SuperXV next year, and should be able to moor Mccaw and co into submission.
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
14 Oct 2014, 07:18
#10
14 Oct 2014, 07:18#10
 The Wc is a three week competition. Previous fo helps but its not detrimental at all. Look at France, generally crap. But depending on Club Rugby, which tends to take more precedence over the intetnational game. They compete well. Form is an attributing factor. But so depth and player analysis. Its who brings that all together, a.d peaks at the right time. 
JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
14 Oct 2014, 07:20
#11
14 Oct 2014, 07:20#11
 No worries mate, lol ABs will be fine & we thank you for your concern 
But seriously I always thought that leading up to the the last RWC Sir G did not go out to lose games deliberately but he also k new the boys had to experience a loss as part of their preparation. Ahh, the dilemmas of a world champion - to lose or not to lose....?
3K
3ku1
Pro2,580 posts
3K
3ku1Pro2,580 posts
14 Oct 2014, 07:21
#12
14 Oct 2014, 07:21#12
 @SharkBok based on that same logic, NZ well moor SA into submission. Gone are the days where SA can intimidate teams physically. In any case NZ are just as strong if not stronger imo in the tight and loose. 
JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
14 Oct 2014, 07:30
#13
14 Oct 2014, 07:30#13
Yes, 3ku1 the boks forwards are not what they used to be what with the "Mattfield syndrome" taking hold & this fascination with "Bok netball", seems the Boks have forgotten who they are.
sharkbok
sharkbok
Captain23,294 posts
sharkbok
sharkbokCaptain23,294 posts
14 Oct 2014, 07:36
#14
14 Oct 2014, 07:36#14
No 3IQ. 
Lest us not forget how the how the Sharks forwards started the season bashing the like of the Canes forwards into the ground by half time. Mark Hammett was running around on the touchline, and at one point asked the referee if he could use the Sharks cheerleaders as substitutes for his forward pack. 
Retalick is the closest thing to an enforcer the ABS have, and Thrush his replacement was being thrown around like a rag doll at Ellis Park. 
Our backs were outplaying the ABS backs in the first half and man for man our pack is more physical at the breakdown as well as carriers over the advnatage line. Matfield is small, but your locks are the both the same as Matfield without Retalick
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
14 Oct 2014, 08:46
#15
14 Oct 2014, 08:46#15
 JW
It is going to be very tough for any team to win the WC.   I did not ever happen that any country won that cup twice in a row and I do think that things are not going to be easy for the All Blacks - the odds are against it happening.  
I think that SA showed up some problems in the Tight 5 this year - but that would be sorted out by the time the WC comes around and indications are that they would improve in that compartment ofthe game.   We would be able to field a very strong team and the poor components in the present team is likely to be eliminated sooner rather than later.  What is clear is that SA would have most answers sorted by next year:-
Lets look at the various positions in the teams:-
Full backs
New Zealand  :   Dagg,  PiutauSouth Africa   :   Le Roux,  Kriel
Nothing in it
Wings
New Zealand  :   Savea, Ben Smith, JaneSouth Africa   :   Habana, Pietersen, ????
Definite in favour of New Zealand
Centers
New Zealand  :   Smith, SBW,  FekitoaSouth Africa  :    De Villiers, Serfontein, De Allende
Definite in favour of New Zealand

Flyhalfs
New Zealand   :   Carter, Cruden, BarrettSouth Africa    :   Pollard, Lambie, Goosen
Overall in favour of South Africa
Scrummies
New Zealand    :   Smith, Perenera, Kerr-BarlowSouth Africa     :   Du Preez, Reinach, Hougaard  
Overall in favour of SA 
Loosies
New Zealand    :   Read, McCaw, Kaino, Messam, Cane, LuatuaSouth Africa     :   Vermeulen, Coetzee, Louw, Botha, Labuschagne
Overall in favour of SA
Locks
New Zealand    :   Whitelock, Retallick, ThrushSouth Africa     :   Etzebeth, Du Toit, Willemse, De Jager
Overall in favour of SA
Props
New Zealand    :    Moodie, B Franks, O Franks, Faumuina, CrockettSouth Africa     :    Mtawarire, Du Toit, Nyakane, Malherbe, Van der Merwe
In favour of SA
Hookers
New Zealand    :    Coles, MealamuSouth Africa     :    Du Plessis, Strauss
In favour of SA.
You may find it strange that i rate the SA flyhalfs hiugher than New Zealand's.   Carter has not playecd much recently nand it is not sure whether he will be injury-free come the WC.  Even if he is - he is not performing on the level he has been his prime and Cruden and Barrett this year was iffy against SA.   Meantime Steyn has gone and with him the previous advantage New Zealand had.
Same with scrummies.   Smith normally looks good in tests - but this year against SA he looks more like a frightened animal in the headlights.      Perenera and Kerr-Barlow is at best average scrummes.
Loosies - the deplelted SA loosies matched the NZ players in some aspects and in others outplayed the NZ loosies this year.   The NZ blindside loosies - bar Luatua is reallly not up to scratch anymore.
The SA lock combination will be stronger next year than they were this year.
Looking at the above the overall situation is definitely swinging in favour of SA for next years WC.   I would give England and Ireland outside chances - with France being unpredictable.
Looking at the expected situation - I think that the fovourite for the WC next year will be SA.   

WA
Wardad
Pro6,663 posts
WA
WardadPro6,663 posts
14 Oct 2014, 10:14
#16
14 Oct 2014, 10:14#16
 Mikey you have to win on the paddock not on the internets .....as for flyhalfs yeah right Goosen ? ya blew that one out yer butt and scrummies ? try including someone in the test sides and Kriel who ? Feck man your the modern day Brother Grimm arent you with your fairy tales ..
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
14 Oct 2014, 10:54
#17
14 Oct 2014, 10:54#17
 Wardad 
Sorry - but you are wrong here.  I rarely ever predicted in the past a Springbok win over the AB's - you can check my record in the relevant regard - and was always clear on that one.   
However, I know that the Springboks will have a much better chance in future.   You query Goosen - but he is playing top games for his French club and will be back with a vengeance.
Now for the case of Kriel - you obviously got lost on that one.  Kriel was the Under 20 full back for the JWC and was very good.  He is coming through the ranks now and will be tops by the end of the Super15 next year.  
Aaron Smith in the two tests played this year against the Springboks were definitely not above average - he looked poor in the Ellis Park test in particular.   Definitely like a scrared animal in the headlights.   
So from a person who regularly predcted All Blacks wins in the past I can begin seeing a difference in future outcomes.  After all the AB's do not have their top weapon against the Springboks anymore - Morne Steyn is gone.   
  
BE
Beeno1
Captain40,032 posts
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
14 Oct 2014, 15:52
#18
14 Oct 2014, 15:52#18
 Pretty good summary MikeRe the centers just bare in mind the wee abs are battling to score tries aginst us. Could only do it in nz when we had 13 Boks on the field.
When we get the Bok pack right it will be even harder as the wee abs will be living off scraps and will be all shell shocked. A bit like ou warped DUD
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
14 Oct 2014, 16:06
#19
14 Oct 2014, 16:06#19
 Beeno
I think Meyer must persisit with De Allende at 13 and am not sure whether De Villiers will make it through to the WC.   He was poorer than he was las t year - when he really was the ebst center in SA.   However,  I would remain with the three centers named by me and think that we have to look at the set up on a continuous basis.   
We have some other potential wings - but compared to Habana - we are thin on the ground.   I hope Senatla comes through and I like what I saw about Van Wyk.   Maybe we should try Engelbrecht on the wing.   JP has lost too much pace to be a factor.  He was extremely disappointing when he came on from the bench against the AB's and  Hendricks defense was atrocious, so there is work to be done in getting the wing selection correct.       
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
14 Oct 2014, 21:33
#20
14 Oct 2014, 21:33#20
 So I see Cape Town is campaigning to get the All Blacks match.  I am not in favour - let them play in Johannesburg and Pretoria and struggle a bit wih the thin air and altitude.  
JW
Just_win
Captain18,570 posts
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
14 Oct 2014, 21:45
#21
14 Oct 2014, 21:45#21
Beeno: on your statement:
"Re the centers just bare in mind the wee abs are battling to score tries aginst us. Could only do it in nz when we had 13 Boks on the field."
Correction: Boks had 15 men on the field but two were lying down on the job. 
Please remember how Nonu played with a broken arm until half time. You didn't see him rolling around on the ground in the hope the ref would blow the whistle.
CL
clevermike
Coach57,555 posts
CL
clevermikeCoach57,555 posts
16 Oct 2014, 17:01
#22
16 Oct 2014, 17:01#22
 JW
Still whining about that incident - won't change the outcome of the match.  
— END OF THREAD —

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