Boks on course for first title in 10-years, Jantjies’ fairytale continues, and Erasmus’ selection decisions vindicated, are our main talking points from Round 2 of the Rugby Championship.
Boks on course for first title in 10-years
Not since Peter de Villiers’ band of 2009 have the Springboks claimed a Tri-Nations/ Rugby Championship crown. However, Rassie Erasmus’ charges now find themselves in pole position following their riveting 16-all draw to the All Blacks in Wellington on the weekend. While this year’s edition is admittedly watered-down with teams only set to face each other once in anticipation of the impending World Cup, the psychological boost the title would give the Boks could be pivotal, especially ahead of their clash with the AB’s in Yokohama in September. A big win over Argentina in Salta this Saturday and the Championship is all theirs.
Jantjies’ fairytale continues
It’s been quite a fortnight for young Herschel Jantjies. Not only did the 23-year-old pick up two tries – and a Man of the Match award – on his Test debut against Australia in Round One, but the fiery halfback was on hand to gather a late Cheslin Kolbe chip at the death to score the try that set up the draw for South Africa in Wellington on Saturday. His meteoric rise to stardom is even more astounding considering the fact that the Stormers man was playing in the Varsity Shield for the University of the Western Cape just three-years ago. Quite a story indeed.
Erasmus’ selection decisions vindicated
While some raised their eyebrows at Erasmus’ decision to split his Bok squad in two ahead of the opening Rugby Championship Tests, the pay-off has been huge. In the bonus-point win over the Wallabies and the draw in Wellington, the Bok gaffer was able to test out his depth ahead of the World Cup in Japan while continuing to claim positive results. Now just three Tests out from the global showpiece, Erasmus will have a clearer picture of the makeup of his final squad and should give them as much game time in the build-up as possible.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
