After a weekend off the Rugby Championship returns with two exciting games on either side of the Tasman. A few big names have returned from injury, so let’s get started!
NEW ZEALAND vs ARGENTINA
Saturday, September 7, 07:35 GMT, Hamilton
Dan Carter returns in one of three changes to the run-on side to face the Pumas at Waikato Stadium. Owen Franks and Ma’a Nonu are both suffering from minor knocks and are replaced by Charlie Faumuina and Francis Saili respectively. All eyes will be on the latter who will be making his test debut after impressing with his athleticism in the Blues midfield. He is certainly raw but he should benefit hugely from having Dan Carter and Conrad Smith on either side.
The Pumas have left Felipe Contepomi on the bench for the first time in a decade, opting to recall Santiago Fernandez at inside centre to restore their first choice midfield combination. Returning from injury are Manuel Carizza, Juan Martin Hernandez, and captain Juan Fernandez Lobbe, which should prove a big boost to the side that competed so well in Mendoza. Juan Manuel Leguizamon switches to the back of the scrum in place of suspended Leonardo Senatore.
Expect Saili to get some touches early, and for him to respond well. Argentina will compete well, but the All Blacks are a better side than the Springboks, and have vital home field advantage. The outcome of this one isn’t in doubt – New Zealand will win – the only question is by how much. They have the ability to run away with this in the final quarter, but the return of inspirational leader Corcho should keep the Pumas within the realms of respectability. New Zealand by 15.
NEW ZEALAND
Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Francis Saili, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (capt.), Kieran Read. RES: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Charles Piutau.
ARGENTINA
Juan Martin Hernandez; Gonzalo Camacho, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Fernandez, Horacio Agulla; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Marcos Ayerza, Eusebio Guinazu, Juan Figallo; Manuel Carizza, Julio Farias Cabello; Juan Fernandez Lobbe (capt.), Pablo Matera, Juan Manuel Leguizamon. RES: Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Lobo, Juan Pablo Orlandi, Mariano Galarza, Benjamin Macome, Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Contepomi, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
AUSTRALIA vs SOUTH AFRICA
Saturday, September 7, 10:05 GMT, Brisbane
The big news for Wallaby fans is obviously the return of Quade Cooper at no10. His combination with stand-in captain Will Genia should provide some thrilling moments. The big problem will be getting good ball from the forwards. James Horwill is out injured, replaced by Kane Douglas, a bitter blow for the home side’s hopes. Sekope Kepu takes over from Ben Alexander at tighthead, and Israel Folau takes Jesse Mogg’s spot at fullback, allowing Nick Cummins to step in on the right wing.
Not to be left out of the returnee party, Heyneke Meyer has opted to start Bismarck du Plessis, restoring an all-Sharks front row with a huge amount of experience. Flip van der Merwe adds power in place of Juandre Kruger, and Zane Kirchner is recalled at fullback with Willie le Roux sliding to the wing to take Bjorn Basson’s spot. Ruan Pienaar is retained at scrumhalf despite a poor showing in Mendoza a week ago.
This is a difficult one to call. South Africa have the superior pack, but Australia have chosen a dynamic counter-attacking backline. The Boks have been travelling half way around the world in recent weeks, the Wallabies have been barely left home. Look for the big boot of Morne Steyn to control things early on and put his team in a position to win, only to concede a late try to the fresher home side. Australia by 3.
AUSTRALIA
Israel Folau; Nick Cummins, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Leali’ifano, James O’Connor; Quade Cooper, Will Genia (capt.); James Slipper, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu; Rob Simmons, Kane Douglas; Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen. RES: Saia Fainga’a, Scott Sio, Ben Alexander, Ben McCalman, Liam Gill, Nic White, Matt To’omua, Jesse Mogg.
SOUTH AFRICA
Zane Kirchner; Willie le Roux, J.J. Engelbrecht, Jean de Villiers (capt.), Bryan Habana; Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis; Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe; Francois Louw, Willem Alberts, Duane Vermeulen. RES: Adriaan Strauss, Gurthro Steenkamp, Coenie Oosthuizen, Juandre Kruger, Siya Kolisi, Jano Vermaak, Patrick Lambie, Jan Serfontein.
Ray's Rugby 