Predictions: Springboks to claim the Rugby Championship

Colin Newboult

Ahead of the Rugby Championship and World Cup warm-ups, we are putting our head on the block and picking our winners from the big matches this weekend.

It is mainly about the southern hemisphere’s premier competition on Saturday as Australia host New Zealand and South Africa visit Argentina, but Ireland and Italy also go head-to-head as they clash in Dublin.

England then take on Wales at Twickenham in a match which always whets the appetite, but also look out for the final round of the Pacific Nations Cup as the USA and Japan battle for the title.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND THREE

Australia v New Zealand

The first game of the 2019 Bledisloe Cup takes place in Perth on Saturday as Australia look to end their 17-year hoodoo. With it being a World Cup year, there are just two matches and the Wallabies will hope to get off to an ideal start.

They have been bolstered by the return of James O’Connor over recent weeks, who has signed a deal with Rugby Australia after spending the past few years in the northern hemisphere, and he will start at outside centre.

Meanwhile, New Zealand also continue to experiment with Ardie Savea being named in the problem position of blindside flanker. Although the World Cup is the primary goal – and the mistake-ridden performances from both teams in the Rugby Championship have rather shown that – no doubt this encounter will focus the minds.

That could duly spell trouble for the hosts. Steve Hansen’s men were not anywhere near their best against either Argentina or South Africa so expect them to put in a much-improved display. All Blacks by 15.

Argentina v South Africa

Not since the competition was called the Tri Nations have the Springboks won this tournament, but they have an excellent chance to alter that in Salta this weekend.

They last secured this title in 2009, with a side which also claimed the British and Irish Lions series in the same year and the 2007 World Cup. Since then, only disappointment, frustration and much political infighting has followed, but Rassie Erasmus is starting to revive the two-time world champions.

South Africa secured a creditable draw against New Zealand, a week after thrashing Australia with a weakened team, and they are favourites to overcome bottom-placed Argentina.

However, despite successive defeats, the Pumas only succumbed by narrow margins and they will provide a stern test for Erasmus’ men. Confidence is high within the South African ranks, though, and they should have enough to beat the hosts and win the Rugby Championship. Springboks by 5.

WORLD CUP WARM-UPS

Ireland v Italy

Two experimental sides face-off in Dublin on Saturday as Ireland and Italy look to get their World Cup preparations off to an ideal start. For the hosts, uncapped duo Jean Kleyn and Mike Haley will attempt to make an impression, while Tommy O’Donnell will be an important part of the game.

With Sean O’Brien and Dan Leavy out, the Irish will ideally need another openside flanker to step up, with Josh van der Flier the only remaining out-and-out seven.

Although the focus is perhaps on individual performance – as the players battle for squad places – Joe Schmidt will still expect a good all-round team display, particularly following the disappointment of their Six Nations campaign.

After such a superb 2018, Schmidt’s men have struggled so far in 2019 and need to build some confidence ahead of the global tournament.

Playing Italy is the ideal opportunity, who don’t look a side remotely capable of causing problems for the top teams. There is some talent in the XV, with Edoardo Padovani and Tommaso Benvenuti potential game breakers, but there isn’t enough to worry the hosts. Ireland by 20

England v Wales

The final encounter of the weekend sees a couple of bitter rivals go head-to-head in a battle which has seen two coaches take the opposite approach.

In complete contrast to what we thought in ‘the short side,’ Wales have selected a remarkably strong team and are looking to extend their winning run of 14 Test matches.

England, unsurprisingly given that their World Cup squad is announced on Monday, have fielded a much-changed outfit. There are five uncapped players in the 23, who will be looking to force their way into the 31-man group, and several individuals that are on the fringes of the first XV.

It therefore gives Warren Gatland’s men a significant advantage, but the English are strong at home and the depth of talent within the country is such that they will be difficult to beat. The question, having never played together, is cohesion and that will give the visitors a clear edge. Wales by 9

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP, ROUND THREE

USA v Japan: Japan by 10
Fiji v Samoa: Fiji by 8

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