When South Africa’s rugby union squad were dismantling a weak set of English tourists earlier in the year, it seemed as though the Springboks were set for a positive end to 2018. We’re heading into World Cup year and the 2019 tournament in Japan and against one of the favourites, Rassie Erasmus’ men put in a good account of themselves.
Fast forward a few months and issues off the pitch involving finances and poorly attended games are threatening to overshadow those achievements so South African rugby must step up on the pitch in the next few weeks to give the game a much-needed boost.
In with a Chance
Pumas vs South Africa (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Fotogramax
After two games of the 2018 Rugby Championship, the table has a familiar look to it with New Zealand ahead after two straight wins. South Africa follow with one win and one defeat and the match against Australia will, therefore, be crucial if the Springboks are to stay in touch with the leaders.
The Wallabies, in their home Suncorp Stadium are favourites at odds of 53/100 in their rugby union betting markets for that game in what looks to be a must-win for the visiting side. Success in the Rugby Championship, a tournament which South Africa have yet to win, would be a timely intervention and there is a view that this Springboks side can take advantage of an Australian team with their own issues.
There’s no disgrace in losing to New Zealand right now but the Wallabies have suffered two heavy defeats to the All Blacks leaving players to cite mental lapses and fatigue as reasons for their weak performances.
South African rugby may be in poor shape but perhaps there’s no better time to take advantage of an under-pressure home side and take a much-needed win ahead of a busy schedule.
Moving Forward
Following the tie with Australia, the Springboks have three more games left in the Rugby Championship before they renew acquaintances with England at Twickenham on November 3rd. Erasmus and his men will cross the English Channel to take on France a week later before concluding their Autumn International schedule with trips to Scotland and Wales.
The away fixtures will represent a huge test for the travelling Springboks and although they were comfortable on home soil against the English, an away game in front of a partisan Twickenham crowd presents a tougher prospect.
Moving on, French rugby may be at a low ebb but Scotland were an improved side in the 2018 Six Nations while the Welsh crowd will be twice as hostile as their English counterparts.
The Big Prize
Larger than life (CC BY-SA 2.0) by warrenski
1995 and 2007 World Champions South Africa are fifth favourites for a hat-trick of titles in Japan but the optimism gained from that series win over England has ebbed away with concerns off the pitch serving as a background to a poor performance against Argentina in Mendoza last time out.
Some would say the fixture list has been too busy for this Springboks side but it does, at least, give them a chance to regain that positivity ahead of another World Cup Year.