After the thrill of the Lions series, the international season keeps on delivering as the Rugby Championship begins this weekend with two massive fixtures.
It kicks off in Johannesburg with the Wallabies taking on the Springboks before an early Sunday morning clash between the All Blacks and Pumas
Find our tips and previews for every game below.
The most daunting prospect in world rugby awaits the Wallabies as they face the world champions at the cathedral that is Ellis Park in Johannesburg with the master coach Rassie Erasmus taking any speculation out of the equation in naming his team on a Monday.
The side filled with 18 World Cup winners with captain Siya Kolisi lining at number 8 and the halves pairing of Grant Williams and Marnie Libbok will steer the side around.
On the other side, the Wallabies it’s hard to know what to expect post Lions series and how much of an emotional drain that series had on the side.
James O’ Connor is expected to get the chance to start at flyhalf, his first test match in 1099 days.
Australia haven’t won in South Africa since 2010 and a win at Ellis Park hasn’t happened since 1963.
I think the Boks will be far too good in this opening clash and here are my plays for the match.
- South Africa win
- South Africa -13.5
- Total points Over 54.5
- Anytime Try – Kurt-Lee Arendse
Some breakfast rugby to kick off your Sunday morning as the All Blacks face the unpredictable Pumas.
The men from Argentina shocked the world defeating the British & Irish Lions in Dublin but then lost twice to an England B team at home so it’s hard to know what team you’re going to get.
The All Blacks are building nicely and have some consistency within the squad and will be well and truly up for the task with likes of Ardie Savea, Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan leading from the front.
Here are my best plays:
- All Blacks Win
- All Blacks -8.5
- Will Jordan try