The Rugby Championship is set to kick off, bringing together the powerhouses of southern hemisphere rugby for an intense competition. With the World Cup on the horizon, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will use this tournament to fine-tune their game plans and assess their readiness. As fans anticipate thrilling clashes and gripping battles, the favourites for the 2023 Rugby Championship are starting to emerge.
Argentina Aiming to Build on Last Year’s Success
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The Argentine squad, led by coach Michael Cheika and captain Julian Montoya, enters the tournament with confidence after their breakthrough victories against New Zealand and England in 2022. With a core group of experienced players, including Montoya, Pablo Matera, and Emiliano Boffelli, the Pumas are eager to build on their success. They face a tough schedule with challenging away matches in Australia and South Africa, but their sights are set on competing with the best.
Australia’s Return under Eddie Jones
Australia welcomes back renowned coach Eddie Jones, who has already made his mark by appointing James Slipper and Michael Hooper as co-captains. The Wallabies squad features a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers, with eight uncapped players included. Jones will focus on developing a winning playing style, particularly in areas of concern such as hooker and fullback. The team faces a tough opening match against South Africa, but they aim to prove their mettle and lay the foundation for the World Cup.
Eyes on: The Halves and Key Positions
Argentina’s Cheika has named a diverse group of scrum-halves and fly-halves to address the position’s injury concerns. Gonzalo Betranou and Gonzalo Garcia have returned from lengthy injuries, while veteran Tomas Cubelli adds experience to the squad. Australia, under Jones, seeks to solidify the hooker and fullback positions, crucial for a well-rounded team. The competition among Dave Porecki, Jordan Uelese, and Matt Faessler at hooker, as well as the performance of Tom Wright at fullback, will be closely monitored. Both coaches will make strategic decisions to optimise their gameplay and find the winning combinations.
Predicted Finish: Battle for the Top
New Zealand, led by coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane, is the team to beat. Despite injury concerns, the All Blacks possess a wealth of talent and a desire to bounce back from a challenging 2022. They are likely to claim the top spot in the Rugby Championship, aiming to gain a mental edge over potential World Cup rivals. That mental edge it’s key both in rugby and in the best online blackjack games, where you need to be at the best level to calculate the risks of every play.
South Africa, the defending World Cup champions, face significant injury setbacks with skipper Siya Kolisi and fly-half Handre Pollard sidelined. However, their depth and stability, showcased by the presence of experienced players from their 2019 triumph, make them formidable contenders. They aim to defend their title and use the Championship to finalise their squad for the World Cup.
Argentina and Australia will provide strong competition, with the Pumas seeking to build on their recent successes and the Wallabies aiming to forge a new path under Eddie Jones. Both teams have the potential to cause upsets and challenge the favourites.
