5 THINGS: 1st Round of Autumn Internationals
1. The Return of Sonny Bill Williams
Williams is one of those people in life that just seem bionic; resembling more of a machine than human flesh and blood. He can simply become the best at everything with relative ease. A heavyweight boxer, a rugby league international and a rugby union international, it seems as if there is nothing this man cannot master. After two seasons in the Australian National Rugby League competition with the Sydney Roosters, Williams has quickly changed back to the 15-man code and scored himself a place in the All Blacks starting XV to face England this Saturday alongside Aaron Cruden at centre. Remarkable. Admittedly, last week’s less experienced opposition in the form of the USA did not allow New Zealand to put on their most memorable performance, after all you’re only as good as your opposition, but they did show why they are the reigning world champions. Williams certainly showed his strength, skill and understanding of rugby as he beat six defenders and made three clean breaks throughout the game and crossed the whitewash. An athlete of unmistakable talent and a talent which I for one will be extremely excited to watch come Kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
2. George North at Centre
North has played centre alongside Jamie Roberts once before – a Six Nations game against France if I recall correctly. This time however, the benefits of him wearing the 13 shirt will be even greater. Having a 6’4, 17st welsh Jonah Lomu crashing through the centre of the Australian defence with an equally powerful player in Roberts on his shoulder promises for an extremely physical game; especially since they face the likes of Hooper, McCalman and Folau. I can already hear the thump of the tackles through the ref’s microphone already! I hope the St. John’s ambulance is at the ready.
3. Rugby Atmosphere
There is no atmosphere quite lack that of rugby. Singing, drinking, hugging, singing, laughing, chatting and some more signing for good measure - this is a basic outline of what goes on before, during and after a rugby match. There’s very little to zero hostility between supporters and when the game is over all is left in the stadium and the evening goes on as if both sides have been friends forever. It is not uncommon to see grown men hugging while sharing a pint; a total juxtaposition to football. The streets of Cardiff flood with daffodil and leek headed Welshmen and women as they make their way towards the around the city with hundreds of thousands of people surrounding them. A totally unique and wonderful experience that one must experience to truly appreciate. Nothing beats the atmosphere of a rugby match.
4. France’s Final Countdown
With only eight games separating France and the start of their world cup campaign against Italy at Twickenham next summer, time is running out for Philippe Saint-Andre to pick his starting XV. The French, in typical French fashion, have been on a bit of a performance rollercoaster over the last few seasons with no real consistency in their performance. One constant however has been Saint-Andre’s lack of success as the head of French international rugby. Since taking over as head coach in 2013 his team has played 19 matches, winning five, drawing one and losing a historic thirteen games. Having only managed to beat Scotland, Tonga, Italy and England over the last year and a half, their performance over the autumn series will be worth keeping an eye on.
5. South Africa Ready for Battle
The Springboks have sent out an almighty message to the Irish by choosing the same starting XV that triumphed over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship last month. Head coach Heyneke Meyer stated that this is only the fifth time in what will be his 34th Test in charge that he has been able to select an unchanged starting line-up. Well that’s just bad luck for Ireland! Despite some injuries in the Irish squad, Saturday's encounter should be a good game to watch if only to see how Ireland copes with an inform South African side.
Williams is one of those people in life that just seem bionic; resembling more of a machine than human flesh and blood. He can simply become the best at everything with relative ease. A heavyweight boxer, a rugby league international and a rugby union international, it seems as if there is nothing this man cannot master. After two seasons in the Australian National Rugby League competition with the Sydney Roosters, Williams has quickly changed back to the 15-man code and scored himself a place in the All Blacks starting XV to face England this Saturday alongside Aaron Cruden at centre. Remarkable. Admittedly, last week’s less experienced opposition in the form of the USA did not allow New Zealand to put on their most memorable performance, after all you’re only as good as your opposition, but they did show why they are the reigning world champions. Williams certainly showed his strength, skill and understanding of rugby as he beat six defenders and made three clean breaks throughout the game and crossed the whitewash. An athlete of unmistakable talent and a talent which I for one will be extremely excited to watch come Kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
2. George North at Centre
North has played centre alongside Jamie Roberts once before – a Six Nations game against France if I recall correctly. This time however, the benefits of him wearing the 13 shirt will be even greater. Having a 6’4, 17st welsh Jonah Lomu crashing through the centre of the Australian defence with an equally powerful player in Roberts on his shoulder promises for an extremely physical game; especially since they face the likes of Hooper, McCalman and Folau. I can already hear the thump of the tackles through the ref’s microphone already! I hope the St. John’s ambulance is at the ready.
3. Rugby Atmosphere
There is no atmosphere quite lack that of rugby. Singing, drinking, hugging, singing, laughing, chatting and some more signing for good measure - this is a basic outline of what goes on before, during and after a rugby match. There’s very little to zero hostility between supporters and when the game is over all is left in the stadium and the evening goes on as if both sides have been friends forever. It is not uncommon to see grown men hugging while sharing a pint; a total juxtaposition to football. The streets of Cardiff flood with daffodil and leek headed Welshmen and women as they make their way towards the around the city with hundreds of thousands of people surrounding them. A totally unique and wonderful experience that one must experience to truly appreciate. Nothing beats the atmosphere of a rugby match.
4. France’s Final Countdown
With only eight games separating France and the start of their world cup campaign against Italy at Twickenham next summer, time is running out for Philippe Saint-Andre to pick his starting XV. The French, in typical French fashion, have been on a bit of a performance rollercoaster over the last few seasons with no real consistency in their performance. One constant however has been Saint-Andre’s lack of success as the head of French international rugby. Since taking over as head coach in 2013 his team has played 19 matches, winning five, drawing one and losing a historic thirteen games. Having only managed to beat Scotland, Tonga, Italy and England over the last year and a half, their performance over the autumn series will be worth keeping an eye on.
5. South Africa Ready for Battle
The Springboks have sent out an almighty message to the Irish by choosing the same starting XV that triumphed over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship last month. Head coach Heyneke Meyer stated that this is only the fifth time in what will be his 34th Test in charge that he has been able to select an unchanged starting line-up. Well that’s just bad luck for Ireland! Despite some injuries in the Irish squad, Saturday's encounter should be a good game to watch if only to see how Ireland copes with an inform South African side.
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