The final weekend before the start of the tri-nations showed that all 3 teams are building momentum in what should be a closely contested series. Argentina also continued on their winning ways too.
However the biggest concern for South Africa’s 2007 campaign is the off the field shenanigans once again. Whenever our rugby starts doing well, we inevitably try to derail ourselves through our administrators. The latest news is that 2008 may see the biggest upheaval in SA rugby with a new coach and captain in Pieter De Villiers and Luke Watson in an attempt to Africanise the team, with 10 players of black/colour in the starting lineup. While this is to be commened it is not the right way to go about it. First we need to start at vodacom cup, then currie cup then super 14 level. The fact a handful of blacks/coloured played at super 14 level is the problem, not the boks. De Villiers doesnt have the coaching experience and Watson has not proven his capabilities yet. If White wins the world cup, I think the wisest move will be to retain him, not remove him.

All Blacks inflict record defeat on frogs

The All Blacks scored the most test points ever against the French in a test match winning by the biggest margin ever too. A 9 try to 1 rout is not great for world rugby, but the French will be more competitive come world cup time. Of concern to the All Blacks will be the injuries to their locks Williams and Robinson. Their depth will be severly tested in this department

New Zealand 61: Tries: Joe Rokocoko 2, Anton Oliver, Byron Kelleher, Leon MacDonald, Isaia Toeava, Jerry Collins, Keven Mealamu, Nick Evans; Conversions: Luke McAlister 5; Penalties: McAlister 2.
France 10: Try: Julien Laharrague; Conversion: Benjamin Boyet; Penalty: Boyet

Australia gain confidence ahead of ti-nations

Australia scored their biggest victory in 11 months in beating fiji 49-0 in perth. Their backline looked more fluent and Tuquiri made his return felt with a brace of tries. The Wobblies should have a potent backline come world cup tuime, but their biggest question mark is still their pack.

Australia 49: Tries: Lote Tuqiri 2, Scott Staniforth 2, Julian Huxley, Stephen Larkham, Sam Norton-Knight, Adam Ashley Cooper; Conversions: Huxley 3; Penalty: Huxley.
Fiji 0:

Argentina dispose of Italy

The Argentinians are building their depth as key players were absent in their 24-6 victory over Italy. Argentina lack the finishing ability out wide but showed they are genuine quarter final contenders with a strong pack capable of challenging the best sides.

Second string Boks lack ruthlessness

Although the Springboks cruised to a 35-8 win against a gallant Samoan side at Ellis Park, there was disappointment that few of the second string side stuck their hand up for a place in the starting lineup for the tri-nations. While the coach will be happy that many of his side had a good hit out and key players were able to get some game time, we all expected more of the rest of the squad. Most of the guys played well, but handling was poor, and set piece structure and dominance was lacking. There still remains plenty for the Boks to work on over the next 3 months. Samoa on the other hand will be pleased and can go to the World cup happy they are better placed than 4 years ago, but unfortunately still lack the ability to make the quarter finals

South Africa 35: Tries by John Smit, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Pedrie Wannenburg and Percy Montgomery. Derick Hougaard kicked a conversion and two penalties and Montgomery a conversion.
Samoa 8: Try by Anitelela Tuilaga. Gavin Williams kicked a penalty.