David Campese’s predictions: Springboks ‘innovation’ hailed while All Blacks need Ardie Savea after he ‘went missing’ against ‘immense’ Los Pumas
David Campese gives his Rugby Championship predictions for Round Two.
After Argentina’s shock victory in Wellington against the All Blacks and the Springbok innovation show demolishing the Wallabies in Brisbane, David Campese joins Planet Rugby for his predictions for Round Two of the Rugby Championship.
Australia v South Africa
“It’s all eyes west this weekend as Perth hosts the Test match. It’s an irony that when the Wallabies are competing for eyeballs that the game moves to a territory that is dominated by AFL and it’s key that we, as a team, put on an attractive performance,” Campese observed.
“Looking back at last week you couldn’t have a bigger contrast in the evolution of two teams.
“South Africa are a champion side that are honing, improving, innovating and playing with remarkable precision. If you just take their lineout double pod move as an example, the precision in that play was outstanding – timing, communication and execution. That, to me, is a team that is harmonious, challenging themselves inwardly to do remarkable things and to move the game forward through innovation and immense intellect.
“Contrast that with the Wallabies – whose communication was so poor we saw two players running into each other under the high ball. They’re playing off a play sheet, mindlessly delivering the pre-arranged plays in a monotonous way, without any form of thinking responsibility.
“What I love about Rassie Erasmus is that he’ll allow players to fail in executing these innovations; he won’t say don’t do it, he’ll just say execute it better next time – and that builds huge trust between player and coach. He understands fully the culture and emotions of his team and he supports his players to be the best versions of themselves they can possibly be.
Joe Schmidt recalls ‘retired’ Test star as Wallabies wonderkid finally set to make debut
“Last week could have been much worse for Australia and the result almost flattered us. The cluelessness in attack was obvious and it was saddening to hear our coach sugar coating the mediocrity.
“This week, Australia have a chance due to Rassie’s squad rotation. But don’t let that fool you either; here’s a man building for 2027 and exploring his options in a calm manner. It might be a different team but they know their DNA in a way Australia can’t come close to, so I still expect a tough day at the office.”
Head-to-head: It’s on the blindside flank where the brilliant Pieter-Steph du Toit meets Bobby Valetini. I cannot for the life of me understand why our best number eight is out of position but there’s no doubt he’s the key to Aussie go forward.
Players to watch: Lukhanyo Am is a freak of a rugby athlete and I’ll be interested to see how he adapts to moving to inside centre. For the Wallabies, I want to see Ben Donaldson and Tate McDermott play at least 30 minutes together as a half-back partnership.
Campo’s call: Given the personnel changes, I do think this will be closer – but still a Bok win, and I’m going 25-18 to South Africa.
New Zealand v Argentina
“I was blown away by the performance of Los Pumas and in particular, their brilliant and immense back-row. Once again, here’s a team with a native coach, Felipe Contepomi, who understands the emotion and traditional qualities of his players and he is able to empower them in a manner they embrace and understand,” Campese enthused.
“Sure, the lack of scrums until 60 minutes was an anomaly that fell into the hands of Argentina as there’s no doubt New Zealand hold the aces there, but you play what’s in front of you and that’s what Los Pumas did.
“They’re not all about bosh and bash either; the way they dealt with Damian McKenzie’s kicks in terms of attack return was superb, and I love the work of both of the Carrerases – they have dazzling footwork, but they stay within the support of their back-row to maintain continuity.
“But, in the final analysis, it was that monster performance by the huge Argentinian loose trio that won them the match. Matera, Kremer and Gonzalez are not only the biggest back-row around, but there’s a fair argument to say they’re the best combination in the world too, even if they don’t play with a traditional seven or even with an openside and blindside, favouring a left and right flank formation like France.
“This week will be tougher for the visitors. They cannot rely upon a lack of scrums, but by saying that the All Blacks need to up their physicality immensely, especially in the back-row and second-row, if they’re to overturn last week’s result.”
Head-to-head: It’s at number eight where Juan Martin Gonzalez simply annihilated Ardie Savea, someone considered to be world class. Ardie went missing last weekend and it’s key he gets back into the game and leads from the front in this round.
Players to watch: I’ll be interested to see if Will Jordan is as sharp as he was before his injury as he’s truly world class. For Argentina, Gonzalo Bertranou is an unsung hero at scrum-half – he’s got one of the slickest passes around and he maintains pressure and continuity after the big men bash holes.
Campo’s call: Look, I thought Argentina were huge last week but that match will have taken it out of them. I think a few more scrums will play into New Zealand’s hands and they’ll sneak over the line, but it’ll be close. 25-22 to the All Blacks.
