South Africa is the team with the most playing depth, the most rigid and most resilient, as demonstrated by their 32-17 win over France in Paris on Saturday (Nov 8), despite having a man sent off.
The South African coach Rassie Erasmus loaded his bench with 6-2 forwards split, before sending them all on together. Other nations are now following this strategy. In fact, the starting forwards may not even be the best players.
France, without Antoine Dupont, lacks spark and unpredictability.
England survived an improving Fiji to triumph 38-18, but a question mark hovers over their midfield and the guidance offered from 10. They have three tens. One is older, two are younger. The younger ones have different playing styles, and the older one is a better kicker. Who plays 12 and 13 will significantly affect who plays 10. Fiji was so creative and exciting for 60 minutes, but ill-disciplined play haunts them. If they can alter this, they can beat anyone.
Ireland eventually beat Japan 41-10, but questions remain. Is the squad too old? Is Crowley better than Prendergast? Japan, like Fiji, plays exciting rugby, but size, or rather lack of it, remains an issue in the game of the giants.
Italy did not surprise many in beating Australia 26-19. Their best players are playing in the French league and their team play is improving in both understanding and execution quality. A Tenor singing opera welcomes teams onto the pitch, which is worth the entry fee alone! For Australia, this could be a long and demoralising tour. When they play to their DNA, they are captivating. Sadly, it seems to have gone walkabout.
New Zealand’s playing style is consistent with their history and DNA. They have resilience and stay focused when the opposition is having a good time or fighting back, as demonstrated in their 25-17 win against Scotland. From leading 17-0, the All Blacks were pushed by the Scots who managed to level at 17-17 at one stage. New Zealand had to cope and cope they did. Their default mechanism is always a quality technique, plus one or two world-class players. Scotland has not beaten New Zealand at home in over 100 years, a statistic that remains.
Wales entered a new era with a new coach and the return of Lee Zammit, arguably the fastest rugby player on the planet. Argentina quickly raced into a 14-0 lead, then surrendered it to 14-14.
Argentina visibly decided to take the Wales challenge more seriously and raced away to a convincing lead. Wales showed some potential, but when Jac Morgan limped off injured, the reality became clear and Los Pumas stormed to a 28-52 victory.
One exciting change in the game is the wingers’ ability to score tries from close to the opponents’ line, despite massive defensive pressure. For eveidence, take a look at McKenzie’s try for New Zealand to beat Scotland, and Lynagh’s try for Italy to beat Australia.
Looking ahead, it’s the big one this coming Saturday (Nov 15) as England welcome New Zealand. Don’t miss it!
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.