Evaluating the June tests
by Paki's Corner | 01 July 2010 (19:56)
The June test matches in my opinion tend to be fairly meaningless. By that I mean nothing is at stake for the spectators, with the age-old debate about northern versus southern hemisphere rugby seasons.
The Six Nations and Tri Nations competitions are phenomenal in both regions with top class rugby played throughout. The tricky part is when the Six Nations concludes (in mid March) there are two months before the teams assemble again for the June tests. In the past many of these travelling teams haven’t fielded their best sides, which make for a lopsided encounter.
Of course travelling either way is a leveller, like when the November/December tests take place, with the southern hemisphere attempting to complete the Grand Slam in Europe. The thrilling Tri Nations tournament ends in mid September, with 6 weeks off till the end of year tours. Considering the Super 14 pre-season kicks in January, it is literally an all year round game these days for the players.
Let’s look back over the June tests:
South Africa 34 Wales 31
South Africa 42 France 17
South Africa 29 Italy 13
South Africa 55 Italy 11
The Springboks started off with that ridiculous late notice one-off Wales match which was surrounded by plenty of media stories. Given a week to prepare after the Super 14 final, some legal issues over Butch James, and a few late injuries saw Wales almost clinch a famous victory. It was very interesting that foreign-based South Africans like Joe van Niekerk were allowed to play despite a very strict policy from coach Peter de Villiers.
Even though France were the 2010 Six Nations champions, the contest was out of reach right from the start when Pierre Spies barged over to score within the first 2 minutes of the match. I would love to have seen a second and third Test match between these two great sides. I’m not a fan with the one-off Test matches in the southern hemisphere. When travelling to Europe it is understandable because you could play against five other sides.
The Italian outfit never really tested the Springboks, but was a good selection tool and match practice for the upcoming Tri Nations.
Australia 49 Fiji 3
Australia 27 England 17
Australia 20 England 21
Australia 22 Ireland 15
The Wallabies failed to impress this June despite having plenty of talented players at their disposal. England looked like the team of the northern hemisphere with an excellent (although lucky) 21-20 win over Australia. The unforced errors by Australia and inability to get over the gain line in the final match against Ireland resulted in a very average game of rugby.
New Zealand 66 Ireland 28
New Zealand 42 Wales 9
New Zealand 29 Wales 10
The All Blacks are looking very dangerous, especially with their backline able to penetrate the advantage line. They destroyed Ireland as a result, and saw off Wales fairly easily. Coach Graham Henry has made some very interesting selection decisions of late, leaving out some quality options.
Argentina 41 France 13
Argentina 9 Scotland 13
Argentina 16 Scotland 24
I didn’t see the two tests that featured Scotland, but it was a very fine performance from the visitors considering they were played in hostile crowds in Argentina. The Pumas responded with a sensational match against France, with flyhalf Felipe Contepomi on fire in the 40-point win. Argentina has the ability to turn it on – like they did at the 2007 RWC – and should be exciting to watch come the 2011 tournament.
The Tri Nations competition is almost amongst us and is set to deliver some mouth-watering cliff hangers! The Springboks may be slight favourites, but the All Blacks will never lie low. I can’t wait for the pulsating tournament to begin.
July 10: New Zealand vs. South Africa (Eden Park)
I heard that Vuvuzelas are now banned in New Zealand, but am willing to bet we will hear a few of them during the opening match, a day before the exciting Soccer World Cup final!
And finally great news for South African rugby with Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira getting his citizenship, making him yet again available to play for the Springboks. Tony Johnson wrote an excellent article regarding this – as well as explaining why pacific island players are moving to New Zealand. Definitely read it if you haven’t already!
Meanwhile back in the States, I will be celebrating America’s birthday this weekend on July 4th!
Dallen Stanford played 54 matches for the USA 7s team throughout his career spanning from 2006 to 2009, including 13 IRB 7s tournament appearances. To read other articles by the South African visit www.UR7s.com, www.EaglesXV.com and www.PakisCorner.com.
