Ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener between Australia and New Zealand, we pick out five storylines to follow in the Rugby Championship meeting.
White hot All Blacks set to cut loose in Bledisloe I
The All Blacks’ performance against the Springboks in Auckland, especially in the opening quarter, was something to behold as they cut loose and put on a clinic in Round Two. Ian Foster’s side played at such a speed and with power and ferocity in their execution and game-plan that South Africa were blown off their feet.
It’s hard to envisage a significant enough drop-off that would allow the Wallabies a route into possibly snatching an unlikely victory, not least because the hosts looked well behind the Springboks before going down on home soil to Los Pumas last time out. Indeed, their toughest test arrives on Saturday for Wallabies fans.
New Zealand selection in key positions such as the half-backs does not sway our prediction as the depth they boast right now is in a different league to their trans-Tasman rivals, with the Melbourne Cricket Ground likely to see the All Blacks replicate the Bok showing, which would keep the Bledisloe Cup in their hands.
Is Eddie Jones Australia’s Bledisloe Cup lucky charm?
As one might fathom from the above, we don’t believe that is the case, for this year at least. Indeed, there’s a great amount of work to be done before the World Cup as Jones probably wasn’t expecting such a lack of bounce from his side after he took over from Dave Rennie, whose 38 percent win record was widely reported.
Some are now saying that number wasn’t actually overly disastrous, this after Jones has opened up with two defeats out of two, with the All Blacks (twice) next up on their schedule. After that the Wallabies face France on Sunday, August 27 so it could be zero from five for the head coach moving into the global tournament.
But, and whisper it quietly, wouldn’t it be just Eddie Jones to stun the All Blacks and relish the post-match thereafter. Stranger things have happened in sport.
Shannon Frizell to finally lock down blindside spot
Alongside Will Jordan, Frizell was one of the standout performers against South Africa as the pair were electric early on, proving their worth in the black jersey.
So much has been said and written about New Zealand’s inability to find a replacement for the legendary Jerome Kaino, but those days seem to be over as Frizell looks primed for a long stint in the six jersey. A player with speed, skill, power and athleticism, the Highlander could be one of the stars of the Rugby World Cup.
Another strong showing this weekend in Melbourne would further add to his credit in the bank with Foster. Frizell’s impressive form offers the All Blacks greater depth, not just at blindside but also at lock as Scott Barrett can subsequently feature more regularly in his strongest position alongside two second-row greats.
🔥 Shannon Frizell putting the gloss on that All Blacks first 15 minutes.pic.twitter.com/D61D2Cclmn
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 16, 2023
Changing of the guard at number 10 for Wallabies
Success stories in this truncated Rugby Championship have been few and far between for Australia, but Carter Gordon has certainly turned a few heads in games.
The Rebels fly-half came off the bench to cross the whitewash against South Africa in Round One and followed that up with a solid showing against Argentina at centre, this after the early departure of Len Ikitau. Gordon has shown no nerves and has certainly backed up his Super Rugby Pacific form at Test level.
It is being reported that his chance has come at number 10 as he swaps bench duty for a start. Can he drag this Wallabies outfit to greater heights? That will be his goal as he directs an exciting predicted backline, with his partnership alongside Tate McDermott very different to the Nic White-Quade Cooper axis.
Chance to cement World Cup places on both sides
Time is running out for several players in gold or black to cement their spot at the Rugby World Cup, with this weekend the ideal platform to rubberstamp tickets.
While for the All Blacks it’s only a couple of positions one feels remain up for grabs, the Wallabies’ door is thrown wide open because of their disappointing results.
Jones is expected to roll the dice selection-wise in Melbourne so it is the perfect opportunity for players to press their claims for a late seat on the plane to France.
READ MORE: 11 timely returns from injury to make the Rugby World Cup
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