Rugby Predictions

The Tri-Nations series, which pits the three southern hemisphere powerhouses against each other in a double round robin (the winner usually justified in claiming to be the best team in the world), got underway a few days ago as New Zealand beat Australia 16-7 with a dominating performance from their forwards.

Before any further results come in, I want to make my shock prediction for the year: South Africa to win the Tri-Nations. The most recent Super 12 campaign showed that New Zealand is vulnerable. Credit to Graham Henry, the All Blacks coach, for restoring a winning mentality, but all that could easily come unravelled if Schalk Burger puts a monstrous hit on Carlos Spencer.The Boks have the talent to win, and given their underperformances in recent years, probably want to win more than any other team. If they can perform at the top of their game, not concede silly errors or fall asleep as they did in the second half against the Pacific Islanders (and even then won by a healthy margin)---a task that will require tremendous leadership from captain John Smit and veterans Os du Randt and Percy Montgomery---then they will be world-beaters. All this remains to be seen, but since the oddsmakers will pay off generously for a bet on the Boks, I'd happily take it.

By the way, just wait until Joe van Niekerk is healthy. He and Schalk Burger would constitute the most terrifying flanking duo in world rugby.

And if you're curious about why I play rugby, read this.