New Zealand’s domination of the inagural Rugby Championship
has been majestic and they can complete a clean sweep with victory in South
Africa today. Steve Hansen’s side came out of the World Cup without stalwart
Graham Henry but have gone from strength to strength since and have underlined
their status as the dominant force in world rugby with their incredible winning
streak – they’re just two away from the world record held by Lithuania of 19.
South Africa have found themselves in a transitional state
over the past few months with the enigmatic Peter De Villers leaving while much
of the great engine room that had beaten the British and Irish Lions also said
their last goodbye’s. Henke Meyer’s brief reign has been anything but uneventful,
with several mini sagas and missed chances making for some rather disillusioned
fans for whom last week’s comprehensive win over Australia came not a moment
too soon.
That had followed a quite incredible game against New
Zealand where they let two practical tries off the hook through poor passing
and an astonishing 20 points off the tee through goal kicking, and back on home
turf there should be no reason why the Boks’ can’t give Steve Hansen’s side a
stiff test at the very least.
For all that New Zealand put 54 past Argentina last week, it’s
worth remembering that South Africa would have scored yet more if they hadn’t
missed 6 out of 9 attempts on goal and while Steve Hansen has sent out a big
message by keeping the majority of his side that thrashed Argentina last
Saturday night but the Boks should have won in Dundenin and will be highly
motivated to turn around those scores. New Zealand can win, but the 1-12 point
winning margin looks much the best way to go if you’re supporting them today.
Advice
1 pt New Zealand to win by 1-12 points (13/8 general)
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