Rugby Championship: 4 Key Battles – Round 1

The Southern Hemisphere Test season officially kicks off this weekend as two gruelling Test matches will take place in South Africa and Argentina. Bet Central brings you the key battles in the 1^st round of the

South Africa v Australia: Titanic Battle At 8

One is a non-negotiable Test starter for his country, and the other is a player whose best years are behind him but still has so much to offer at this level. That is what you get when juxtaposing where Rob Valentini and Duane Vermeulen are in their respective Test careers.

For South Africa, Vermeulen was once an indispensable part of the team, but father time caught up with him. He is still a roaming ball carrier with breakdown prowess that has got the Springboks out of trouble more times than one can remember. As a leader, he is 2^nd to none and will be crucial this weekend.

Valentini is where Vermeulen was a few years ago – indispensable. If Australia are to get past the physical South Africans, he will need to be at his very best.

South Africa v Australia: Duel For Best 13 In The South

Undoubtedly the king of 13s in the Southern Hemisphere, Lukhanyo Am now has a young star gunning for his throne in Len Ikitau and if their domestic form is anything to go by, the Springboks centre may already be dethroned.

Am struggled with the Sharks this past season in the URC, he was far from his best and that was a huge concern for many South African, but Jacques Nienaber retains his faith in the centre who has been exceptional for the Springboks over the last few years.

Ikitau had a few injury disruptions this season with the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific, but when he was playing he was absolutely sensational and Eddie Jones will be hoping he can bring that onto the park against the Boks.

Argentina v New Zealand: Frizell Seeks To Upstage Matera

Pablo Matera is toughness personified and he represents everything that is gritty with the Los Pumas side, he can take on absolutely any opponent and more often than not comes out on the winning side. He will need to channel that fire he possesses if he is to get one over his direct opponent this week.

His opposite number is Shannon Frizell, the Highlanders hard man is coming off an indifferent season from an individual and team perspective, but it is well known that at his best, he is a destructive force. He is someone who can get the better of Matera, but he will need to be a lot better in Argentina. A lot of New Zealanders step up a level when they don the black jersey and Foster will be hoping that happens for Frizell.

It will be a tough and gritty battle between these 2 bruisers and their performances could go a long way in determining the result.

Argentina v New Zealand: Flamboyant 10s Take Centre Stage

Both Santiago Carreras and Damian McKenzie are the type of players you know can pull off the audacious moves that can be the difference between winning and losing. As a result, they aren’t really seen as Test-friendly flyhalves, but this week both have been entrusted with the 10 jerseys, which should produce fireworks. 

McKenzie is coming off his best domestic season yet with the Chiefs and he will be seeking to stamp his authority in the Test scene as well for New Zealand. He has to contend with Carreras who was in imperious form for Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership, whether at 10, on the wing or fullback – he thrived.

The common perception is both are better suited to the back 3 and this is the opportune moment for them to prove their doubters wrong. It will be interesting.