The Rugby Championship 2018 Edition: Week Four Predictions

New Zealand vs South Africa

The Springboks lost a tough one to the Wallabies last week 23-18 and things don’t get any easy as they face a formidable foe and one of their bitter rivals, the All-Blacks. New Zealand was clicking on all cylinders last week against Argentina as they won 46-24. The All-Blacks also started Richie Mo’unga in place of Beauden Barrett at flyhalf as Mo’unga played admirably, converting five of six extra point conversions and nailed two penalty kicks. But Barrett will return to take the 10 jersey for this week against South Africa. Unfortunately, New Zealand back Sonny Bill Williams has been withdrawn and replaced by Jack Goodhue due to injury, but you could expect him to come back for Week Five. As for the Springboks, returning to the starting lineup will be flyhalf Handre Pollard and hooker Malcolm Marx which should make the matchup more formidable and balanced. Expect this to be a great game.

Predictions

James Rowe: New Zealand. While I think this will be a fun match to watch as it will be awesome to see South Africa sending out their best, tactically I feel like the All-Blacks still have the upper hand. It will really come down to the scrum as South Africa, in my opinion, has the better pack, but the All-Blacks always know how to grind it out.

Australia vs Argentina

The Wallabies got a much needed victory against the Springboks last week, but as they are trying to trend up, they will try to continue the momentum against the Pumas in Week Four. Argentina played against a very tough All-Blacks squad and were dominated last week, but there is some hope that they can steal this one from Australia as they beat South Africa earlier this tournament. Argentina is showing that they could possibly become a force within the World Rugby scene and thus far have been impressive this tournament despite a 1-2 record. This could be a very interesting match to watch.

Predictions

James: Australia. While I think Argentina has been fun to watch, I feel like the victory the Wallabies obtained last week was just what they needed and should build on that momentum. I do think it will be hard fought, but the Wallabies have more quality players.