So the Rugby Championship 2013 between Argentina (Pumas), Australia (Wallabies), New Zealand (All Blacks) and South Africa (Springboks) has come to an end.
New Zealand have proved yet again to be the dominant force and worthy of their number one spot. With South Africa pushing them all the way and perhaps closing the gap. Australia still are very much a work yet to get in to progress with the only plus point the fact that their scrum has managed to compete. Argentina although improving still have a mountain to climb if they are to win any games. As far as building for the 2015 Rugby World Cup the All Blacks have a good blend of new and old heads. Australia look as if they still suffer from a lack of player depth so where are the new boys coming from. South Africa look to have plenty of power players in the wings but not so sure about game breakers. Argentina hopefully will start to reap rewards from their new development programme though it is likely it will not bear enough fruit for 2015.
The results ended with New Zealand played six, won six points for two hundred and two, with four bonus points and total points twenty-eight.
South Africa played six and won four. beating Argentina and Australia twice each whilst losing to New Zealand. Points for two hundred and three and against one hundred and seventeen with three bonus points and total nineteen.
Australia played six and won two both against Argentina. Their points for were one hundred and thirty-three with one bonus point and a total of nine.
Argentina played six and lost six. Points for eight-eight and against two hundred and twenty-four with two bonus points giving them a total of two points.
Next up for the Southern Hemisphere teams are the tours to Europe and it will be interesting to see the comparisons. Undoubtedly New Zealand and South Africa will be a tough ask. Whilst Australia is beatable for all.
So that is the Rugby Championship for another twelve months and leaves the teams ranked at:
Rankings Championship & Europe
1 New Zealand 93.05 points
2 South Africa 87.86 points
3 England 85.76 points
4 Australia 84.25
5 France 81.59
6 Wales 81.36
8 Ireland 79.58
9 Scotland 76.95
10 Argentina 75.50
The next game to be played sees The All Blacks host the Wallabies in the third leg of the Bledisloe Cup on the 19 October 2013. before travelling to France, England and Ireland.
Australia play England, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales all during November. So another full on year of International Rugby beckons.