|
The Rugby Championship just keeps on giving with two epic contests in Round 3. The Wallabies pulled off the incredible with a post-siren come from behind victory in Townsville, while the All Blacks held on in the final minutes to keep their Eden Park winning run alive. With the All Blacks holding onto a thin lead in top spot Round 4 could be crucial as we enter the backend of the tournament. Read on as we bring you the latest team news below and look ahead to the Round 4 clashes. Saturday, September 6 Australia vs. Argentina, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 2:00pm AEST [5:00pm NZST, 6:00am RSA, 1:00am ARG]  Wallabies: Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Hunter Paisami, Corey Toole, Tane Edmed, Nic White, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams, Taniela Tupou, Billy Pollard, James Slipper.
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Lukhan Salakaoa-Loto, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Filipo Daugunu.  Pumas: Juan Cruz Mallia, Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Garcia, Joaquin Oviedo, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Pedro Rubiolo, Guido Petti, Joel Sclavi, Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas.
Replacements: Ignacio Ruiz, Boris Wenger, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Franco Molina, Pablo Mattera, Agustin Moyano, Justo Piccardo, Ignacio Mendy Team news: Joe Schmidt has thrown caution to the wind and turned to young, inexperienced playmaker Tane Edmed for the side's crucial clash with Argentina. With Tom Lynagh managing a hamstring strain and James O'Connor unlikely to feature in the Bledisloe, Schmidt has had no choice but to turn to the 25-year-old in his first Test on home soil. He's one of four changes with last week's best player Len Ikitau rested, brining Hunter Paisami into the centres, while James Slipper returns to the starting line-up from concussion. Jeremy Williams moves to the starting second row, Nick Frost being managed due to a tight back. Meanwhil,e Lukhan Salakai-Loto has finally been given his shot, coming off the bench alongside Josh Nasser on their first Test of the year. Prediction: Sneaking a win after the siren last week, the Wallabies must make a fast start in Sydney to give themselves a chance. The Pumas were left disappointed after they let the match slip and they won't make the same mistakes again with Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocabares and Santiago Carreras proven match winners. Plenty of pressure will be on Tane Edmed to make the most of his first start, while Hunter Paisami will need to inject himself early. With a stacked bench, the Wallabies have knowledge they can get the job done, but they will have to do more than rely on a big second half push to get a second win at home. Wallabies by 5  New Zealand vs. South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5pm AEST [7pm NZST, 9am RSA, 4am ARG]  All Blacks: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Beauden Barrett, Noah Hotham, Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Ruben Love  Springboks: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Ruan Nortje, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche
Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen Teams news: Scott Robertson has turned to his ninth debutant of the year with sevens star Leroy Carter named to earn his first All Blacks cap when he starts on the wing. Carter has been given the nod ahead of experienced Test star Rieko Ioane who is the second wing to be put to the sword in as many weeks. Meanwhile, Will Jordan has been pushed to the right wing to cover the injured Emoni Narawa with Damian McKenzie moving to fullback, opening bench space for Rueben Love. Noah Hotham will make his return from injury, pushing Finlay Christie to the bench while Samisoni Taukei'aho will start for the injured Codie Taylor. One last change sees a straight swap between Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell. Rassie Erasmus has rung the changes through his backline ahead of the side's crucial Test in Wellington. Making seven personnel changes, Erasmus has introduced a new halfback pairing in Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, while Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie create the midfield pairing, Ethan Hooker makes his debut on the wing with Aphelele Fassi rounding out the changes in fullback. The forward pack has also seen changes with Siya Koli captaining and moving to flanker alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit, while No 8 Jasper Wiese will return following his suspension. The only personnel change sees Lood de Jager brought into the second row. Sticking with a five-three split on the bench Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw and RG Snyman make their way onto the bench, alongside Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen. Predictions: Both coaches have swung the axe ahead of Saturday with so much on the line for both teams. Disappointing in Auckland, expect a big Springboks backlash, especially up front, but Erasmus's choice to drop Jesse Kriel and Damian De Allende from the centres a curious one. While the injection of youth should give the Boks an edge, many were caught out just weeks ago in their loss to the Wallabies at Ellis Park. Meanwhile, the inclusion of young sevens star Leroy Carter on the edge should give experienced Cheslin Kolbe plenty to contemplate with the All Blacks backline humming for much of last week. With the rain set to clear up by kick-off, the weather should suit both outfits, but the Springboks will need to sort their faulty lineout and find some rhythm in their backline if they're to push the All Blacks. All Blacks by 3
|
