We look back on some of the biggest talking points from Round 1 of the Rugby Championship.
The All Blacks late show
The All Blacks went into the sheds 6-5 down in Sydney, but a typically dominant second half performance would see them go on to win the encounter 38-13. As the half-time score suggests, the All Blacks were in a subdued mood before coming out an turning on the style in the second stanza. Wasaki Naholo scored twice while Beauden Barrett contributed a further 13 points.
The All Blacks have now won all their last 13 Rugby Championship matches. With their last loss coming at the hands of Australia back in 2015.
Ryan Crotty concussed again
Crotty was helped off the field in the 14th minute when he clashed heads with teammate Jack Goodhue. Crotty suffered his third concussion in 18 months, and the centre looks likely to miss a portion of the Rugby Championship.
Boks shake off nervous start
Aphiwe Dyanti scored a brace of tries in the Springbok’s come-back victory in Durban on Saturday. The Lions flyer scored the first from a Willie Le Roux cross kick and the second he chased down another kick to beat Boffelli and stretch out to score. Makazole Mampimpi joined in on the party as he scored two of his own. The Springboks capped off a great second half performance to take the match 34-21.
Looking ahead
The Springboks face a tough encounter as they travel to Argentina for what will be a stern test in front of a hostile crowd. The last time Argentina beat South Africa was 2016 in Salta. New Zealand will play host to their Australian counterparts in Auckland, a venue the Aussies have not won in since the late 80’s. The All Blacks look set to clinch their 16th straight Bledisloe cup victory.
Match Highlights
South Africa vs Argentina
Australia vs New Zealand
Round 1 Try of the Week
