There were wins for three of the southern hemisphere’s four rugby powerhouses in the Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies as the season’s mid-year Tests began in earnest on the weekend.
Boks v Ireland: Boks earn first win over Ireland in eight years
Despite dominating the early exchanges, the Springboks had to hang on against Ireland for a narrow 27-20 win in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The result was the Boks’ first victory over the Emerald Isle since 2016 – and Rassie Erasmus’ first as coach – in a game that produced some strong moments from both teams but ultimately devolved as it wore on. The hosts’ seven handling errors and Ireland’s 10 tells a story in itself, while the possession (50/50) and territory stats (53/ 47 in the Boks’ favour) underlines just how close the contest became after a strong start from the double world champions.
Attack coach Tony Brown’s influence on the team is clear to see, with the Boks showcasing some exciting expansive play. As they become increasingly accustomed to the former All Black flyhalf’s methods, the side is sure to reap big rewards going forward.
This weekend’s second Test in Durban is sure to be another close call, particularly at sea level, with hardly anything to separate the teams in the scrum or bench impact departments at Loftus. We may see a few changes on Ireland’s part, with Conor Murray and Ryan Baird likely to get a shot after strong performances as replacements.
“Suka phez’kwebaty’ yam ndiphangele kwedini.”
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 6, 2024
This was a big hit from umkhokheli 💪
📺 Stream #RSAvIRE live: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw | #Springboks pic.twitter.com/SlZK9iCASU
NZ v England: Razor’s men get over the line against Roses
Scott Robertson got his All Blacks coaching tenure off to a winning start in a shaky 16-15 result over England at Dunedin on Saturday. The hosts were lifted by a fantastic Damian McKenzie tactical kicking display, with the Chiefs playmaker’s decision-making and work in the air likely to see him hold on to the No 10 jumper until at least the Rugby Championship. There’s plenty to improve for Robertson and his men going forward, and as average as they were in many areas on the weekend, they still deserve kudos for getting over the line.
Looking for their first win on Kiwi soil since 2003, England asked many questions of the Rugby World Cup runners-up and led early in the final quarter, but ultimately didn’t have the legs to go the distance.
First Haka for 2024 😮💨#AllBlacks #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/qqQQRAF3HP
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 6, 2024
Wallabies v Wales: Australia begin Schmidt era with a win
Australia saw off Wales 25-16 in Sydney on Saturday in Joe Schmidt’s first game in charge. The Wallabies scored tries through Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright to condemn Warren Gatland’s Wales to an eighth successive defeat as the tourists dropped to a record-low ranking of 11th; falling outside the top 10 for the first time.
In other international results, Samoa surprised Italy 33-25 in Apia, Fiji outdid Georgia 21-12 in Batumi, Romania pipped USA 22-20 in Chicago, a second-string France outfit beat Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina 28-13 in Mendoza, Chile saw off Hong Kong 22-17 in Talca and Scotland thumped Canada 73-12 in Ottawa.
Wrighty goes himself! 💨#Wallabies #AUSvWAL pic.twitter.com/0WGlJ3Waoc
— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 6, 2024
