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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
June International Rugby Review 2 views
11 June 2012 by The Swede Eaters
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Scotty Donaldson gives a short review of the June International rugby matches. What did you make of these matches?
Heading into the first weekend of June International rugby matches when Northern Hemisphere teams came to the Southern Hemisphere, I thought that one of the better prepared teams from the north may have won one of the matches over the weekend, but the All Blacks thrashed Ireland, while South Africa and Australia got home in the end over England and Wales respectively.
The All Blacks showed that they can keep rolling plucking players out of the factory with impressive debuts by winger Julian Savea, halfback Aaron Smith and lock Brodie Retallick. Smith's quick pass unleashed the dangerous All Blacks backline giving the dangerous Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and Savea plenty of space to cut capers and turn it into a really long night at the office for Ireland. Savea scored three tries and the All Blacks could have actually won by more than the 42 - 10 scoreline, but it was a satisfactory result. Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock were also great for the All Blacks. I thought Ireland had some very gutsy performers, with Cian Healy and Rory Best impressive in the front row, while I rated Rob Kearney and Sean O'Brien.
Australia were fired up after losing to Scotland midweek. Will Genia almost won the game for the Wallabies single handedly. Wales were behind most of the match, and would have caught the Wallabies if Will Genia wasn't instrumental in two tries. Game two will be exciting, especially the battle between Pocock and Warburton.
South Africa beat an uninspired England side. England scored at the end to bring the scores closer than they should have been.
Argentina easily defeated the Italians to make it four from four for the Southern Hemisphere. Felipe Contepomi showed his wares by kicking his way into the record books.
It is great having three test match series rather than one off tests, don't you agree?
The North vs South Island New Zealand rugby fixture would be so much better with the best players available and if it was based on First XV high school or ITM Cup province. It would be difficult to fit it into the busy calendar, but that would be the ultimate. Otherwise, with the leftover players it becomes more of a festival match which gives players who would otherwise play no rugby during the three week break the opportunity to keep match fit. I would love to see it as a trial of the best players in New Zealand. What do you think?
What did you make of the weekend? Who were the players to stand out for you? Which series do you like the most? What do you think about the North vs South Island fixture?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/06/june-international-matches-review.html
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All Blacks
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