David Campese’s predictions: ‘Remarkable’ Springboks to claim Rugby Championship while Joe Schmidt’s ‘astounding’ selection call to prove costly against All Blacks in Bledisloe I
Split with Rassie Erasmus, David Campese and Joe Schmidt.
With South Africa already almost certainly assured of a Rugby Championship Title, it’s all change in the Springbok camp as they head over to Argentina to take on Los Pumas.
Sydney hosts the Bledisloe Cup as Australia and New Zealand play for pride, we’re joined once more by the great David Campese to look at the potential outcomes of the weekend.
Australia v New Zealand:
“First up, I simply am astounded that the Wallabies have omitted Ben Donaldson, the man that?opened up?Los Pumas on three occasions in the first half in Round Four. Word is that Joe Schmidt criticised his kicking options – I’m not sure what he was watching, but to overlook the potential of Ben’s handling and vision is, to me, criminal.
“Nevertheless, whilst this is New Zealand’s to lose, I think that the front five of the Wallabies might just test the All Blacks. There’s a bit of power in the pack, a decent back-row, and Australia always raise their game for the oldest of enemies.
“The Kiwis aren’t quite themselves; they look depowered at?lock?and they certainly have no idea what their best backline is, so I am hopeful rather than confident!”
Head to Head: “Two captains at eight – Harry Wilson v Ardie Savea is the stand out for me. Both high-quality operators, both possibly not in the best form of their lives. If the Wallabies are to win, Wilson needs a big performance.
Players to Watch:?“The front-row battle will be awesome; All Blacks have their first choice out, but Angus Bell is a world class loosehead and Taniela Tupou is incredible in the short time he’s generally on. I’m usually not one for worrying about the fat boys but in this case it’s a real?high quality?match up.
Campo’s Call: “I’m going with the All Blacks but hoping for the Wallabies! It’ll be closer than some predict, but last quarter could be dangerous. 34-29 to New Zealand.”
Argentina v South Africa
“The old quote about France and which version turns up could now equally apply to Argentina! At their best, they have one of the best back-rows in the world, real ambition and pace in the back line and have shown the ability to put away both New Zealand and Australia this season.
“South Africa are much changed –?but when you have a squad of 30 world-class players, that’s no biggie. However, changes that wide-ranging can often be disruptive, although the bench assets South Africa have?are?quite remarkable.
“Los Pumas have responded to that bench threat by putting as much experience as they can on their bench. Juan Martin Gonzalez, Guido Petti, Santi Carreras and Matias Moroni are all?top-quality?players and it’s clear that Felipe Contempomi?is looking to diffuse the bomb squad as best he can with what he has.
“Nevetheless, I can’t see anything other than a South Africa win, but if Los Pumas get onto the front foot, if they prevent getting bullied up front, then they’ve shown they’ve the firepower to take any team apart.”
Head to head: For me, it’s at 10; Pollard versus the superb Tomas Albornoz, one of the emerging players of the season. Albornoz has beautiful hands, great timing and good field kicking ability, but Pollard isn’t a?two-time?world champion for nothing and it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top.
Players to Watch:?Again?I’m going up front. Thomas Gallo is a fourth flanker around the?pitch?but his scrummaging isn’t the best. Thomas du Toit will be expected to put down a marker in the tight and this battle will go a long way to deciding the match as both front-rows go hammer and tongues against each other.
Campo’s Call: “You have to say South Africa by eight or so – 27-18 or thereabouts, but there’s something about this Los Pumas team that makes me think if they get it?right?they might just pull off the shock of the tournament.”
