Some Australian players weren’t even born the last time the Wallabies held the Bledisloe cup and the All Blacks suggested that trend would continue early on when they ran amok to take a 28-14 half-time lead.
However, the All Blacks hadn’t scored in the last 20 minutes of their last three games and the 60,000 plus crowd in Sydney felt there may be a chance if Australia could raise their game. Maybe remembering the 67 points conceded against Argentina in their last game spurred the Wallabies into a more positive approach as they registered two late tries, before the All Blacks hung on for a tight, but significant, 31-28 victory.
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes for his side’s clash with Argentina in Santiago del Estero and it looked to have paid off as the Springboks raced into a 17-point lead.
However, Argentina, with many of their team now playing in Europe, are very resilient and they were able to match South Africa’s blistering start with an equally rampant retort. Los Pumas played with great fluency and, when they get into a rhythm between forwards and backs, they are hard to stop. This was evident as they clinched a 29-28 win.
Back in England the Gallagher Premiership began as last year’s winners Northampton Saints lost to fellow finalists Bath.
Newcastle, who lost every league game last season, kept their poor going as they lost the first one of the new season to Bristol. Much changed Gloucester lost at home to an equally much changed Saracens while Leicester Tigers won in overtime at Exeter, who had led for most of the second half, and Harlequins finished one point adrift of Sale, losing 12-11.
HARD TO BEAT
Closer to home, The Phuket Vagabonds welcomed a strong Bangkok Southerners team for a rugby union 11s game played over four quarters at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) last Saturday.
While the Vagabonds’ No. 7 Ben “The Engine” Williams shone early on by exploiting space and delivering some bone-crunching tackles, it was clear the visitors had several players with superior individual skills which made the difference. When you have players who can beat defenders and run 60-80 meters, you will be hard to beat.
Field position and time in possession is crucial if you are to wear your opponents down but the Vagabonds were unable to do either, as they lost three of the four quarters and drew the other.
Kudos to the Southerners and their fans who made the trip and generated a great atmosphere at the ACG.
For me, watching the Vagabonds is becoming addictive so why not come along and enjoy a fantastic day out for the whole family.
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.