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the SA Rugby The magazine’s team predicts what they expect to see at this weekend’s Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and Tri-Nations matches.
Craig lewis (editor) predicts the Pumas will surprise the All Blacks early on in Sydney.
After last weekend’s shocking loss to the Wallabies, New Zealand coach Ian Foster has chosen pretty much the strongest lineup available, returning Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga to the midfield axis between a series of changes. .
Many would expect this All Blacks team to dominate from the first to the last minute against a team from Argentina that has not played since the World Cup last year, but I have the slight suspicion that the Pumas are going to move with a point to prove.
It seems the Argentina Jaguars were largely an afterthought, as New Zealand Rugby moved forward with plans for a revised ‘Super Rugby’ future, and it remains to be seen what will become of national rugby in Argentina.
On Saturday, however, Los Pumas have a chance to make a real statement about their enduring qualities as a team. I hope the All Blacks get away with a comfortable second half win, but I will also look forward to a very combative and competitive performance that might surprise some viewers in the first verse.
Dylan jack (editor) predicts that the Stormers will continue their form of attack on Cheetahs.
The Stormers started the Super Rugby Unlocked season slowly, needing to trace their victories over the Lions and Pumas, before being put to the sword by Jake White’s Vodacom Bulls side.
However, last weekend’s bonus point win in 30 degree conditions at Kimberley would have given John Dobson’s players a lot of confidence, both on defense and offense.
Playing at home for the first time in four weeks, the Stormers are likely to find a very different challenge against the Cheetahs, who are coming off a disappointing loss to the Sharks last weekend and will be eager to bounce back.
The return of Herschel Jantjies from compassionate leave to leave with the return to the starting lineup of Ruhan Nel, Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe and Scarra Ntubeni is a huge boost.
Given that the Cheetahs may still be a bit rusty and are still adjusting after losing a couple of players to transfers and injuries, this is a good chance for the Stormers to close the gap with the Bulls at the top of the table. .
ALSO READ: Stormers coach awaits rejuvenated Jantjies
Mariette Adams (editor) predicts that Ireland will accumulate more misery in Wales.
Ireland will continue to falter after squandering the opportunity to increase their Six Nations title count, especially after having had a promising start in the competition earlier in the year. But his misfortune is nothing compared to what Wales is going through right now.
Post-war Gatland Wales is in disarray. Wayne Pivac’s appointment as head coach was very promising for the Welsh, but so far in this new era, the national team has lost five of its six Tests and the only victory was against humble Italy.
And as a direct result of mounting public unrest and thus mounting pressure on Pivac and his coaching staff, defense coach Byron Hayward was the first victim when he was fired, leaving Wales without a defense coach just five days away. from the start of the competition.
A move that is sure to deflate what little confidence and morale a team has left on a 1-5 streak and a move that Ireland will happily exploit.
Both sides have named full-strength lineups and with each Celtic nations clash from now until next year doubling as an audition for spots on the British and Irish Lions team, this is sure to be a racy match. And I think Ireland will win handsomely.
Photo: Getty Images
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