Weekend Rugby Wrap: 5 Takeaways

It was the 1^st round of the Rugby Championship and both games had similar scorelines as Boks and All Blacks dominated their opposition. It was also the semifinal stage of the U20 Championship. Bet Central brings you the 5 takeaways from this weekend’s rugby action.

2nd String Boks Make Good On Opportunity

It was an excellent performance from the Springboks at Loftus Versveld in Pretoria as Jacques Nienaber’s side got the international season off the mark with a 43-12 victory against the Wallabies. A number of 2^nd choice Springboks got an opportunity and put their hands up. 

Marco van Staden was excellent on the openside flanker and Jean Kleyn had an accomplished debut. But the players who gained the most were Andre Esterhuizen and Kurt-Lee Arendse, they gave the Bok management team food for thought.

Wallabies Have Dropped Off From 2022

The Wallabies showed massive improvement in 2022 under Dave Rennie, there was a clear plan and structure that was almost certain to yield dividends in the coming seasons. None of that was evident as the Wallabies were thrashed by the Springboks.

The appointment of Eddie Jones was seen as an upgrade on Rennie, but the game on Saturday was a far cry from last year. Time will tell whether the ushering out of Rennie will be a crucial mistake for Rugby Australia.

All Blacks Run Amok In Mendoza

The All Blacks have not looked at their best in this 4-year cycle, but there is reason to be optimistic that they are finally finding the right direction. They were excellent on Saturday against Los Pumas in Mendoza walking away 41-12 winners.

Their performance in Mendoza was one of the best we have seen in the last year or so, the Barretts were excellent and Damian McKenzie had a composed 1^st Test start at flyhalf. All in all, it was an encouraging performance for Ian Foster’s side.

Baby Boks Crash Out Of U20 Championship

The Baby Boks didn’t have a great group stage, but somehow they managed to make the semis where they faced Ireland. The u20 6 Nations champions were far too good for Bafana Nhleko’s team in Cape Town on Sunday.

Ireland showed the Baby Boks why they are the best in the Northern Hemisphere. The Baby Boks had a few bright sparks in the tournament like Ethan Hooker, Imad Khan and Jurenzo Julius. Nhleko will be happy with some aspects, but there is still so much to improve.

Les Bleuets In Irresistible Form

The defending champions of the u20  Championship, France, are so good at the moment, it’s hard to see anyone stopping them. They steamrolled the English u20 side in the semis winning 51-12 in a proper hiding. The form of the likes of Marko Gazzotti has been imperious.

Posolo Tuilagi is having a massive impact in the 2^nd row and the backline has been irresistible in their flair and flamboyance. There is so much to like about this young French side.