June Internationals Review - Gregan chats Green and Gold

As the excitement finally dies down in the southern hemisphere, after a hugely successive weekend for their sides over their northern competition, Talking Rugby Union’s correspondent Scotty Donaldson reviews the final round from a sub-continent perspective, whilst Sean Gregan gives us his thoughts on Australia…

The June Internationals have now come to a close with some extremely close finishes in matches between the Springboks and Wales, Argentina and Scotland and Japan and Italy.  

Referee Steve Walsh denied Wales an historic first ever victory in South Africa with a penalty try two minutes before fulltime.  Walsh's tattoo says "he who controls himself, controls the game".  

The Wallabies and All Blacks recorded far more convincing wins against France and England.  I particularly enjoy watching rugby played during the daytime in sunny conditions and hence why I enjoyed seeing the Wallabies vs France match.  

Compare that to the All Blacks vs England match played in the rain at night time, yet the All Blacks flourished in those treacherous conditions.

So, what can we take from these June Internationals?

The Northern Hemisphere teams have the ability to compete with their Southern Hemisphere rivals, but just don't have the edge to be able to win the tight matches.  South Africa, Australia and New Zealand all won tight matches in their series.  

The Northern Hemisphere teams also seem to be able to compete in one or two games, but not a series.  In saying this, I think these teams in general played far better than I expected and were far more competitive, especially England.

The All Blacks showed throughout their series with England that they can be matched for periods of games, but showed a unique self-belief which sees them win the close matches and have the ability to produce tries or points when they need them.  

However, they did show a vulnerability early in the season and although the All Blacks still beat England 3-0, in some ways, England claimed a potential moral victory. 

New Zealand have the experience, but will they be able to still peak in England 2015 for the Rugby World Cup? Teams like England, Australia and South Africa seem to have renewed optimism and are bringing through some exciting players capable of matching the mighty All Blacks.

Former legendary Austrlia Captain Sean Gregan, who ammassed over 100 caps for his country and helped them lift the rugby World Cup in 1999, gave his thoughts on the development of this young, exciting Wallabies side who beat France 3-0 in their Test sries.

Gregan was on a special Rugby World Cup 2015 mission with Worldwide Partner Land Rover as he took the Webb Ellis Cup deep into the Blue Mountains as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour which is currently in Sydney.

“I’m really pleased with the Wallabies’ progress in the Test matches. The first were two contrasting Tests; a really attacking one – it was high-scoring in the first Test in Brisbane, and a really tight, tough Test match in Melbourne. I like their chances for the third Test. 

"Bernard Foley has really stood out for me so far this season. I’ve been really impressed with him at fly-half. Sam Carter’s debut Test in Brisbane was also outstanding and Israel Folau is getting better and better at the back. All in all the team has been very consistent being led by Michael Hooper.

"For the Wallabies to get back to that attacking flair and that rhythm they had in the first Test match, it really comes down to the contact area, when it comes to the tackle line. If they can break the tackle line with good attack and get good quality ball, then that allows them to play that expansive game."

On the Rugby Championship, Gregan maitained that the Wallabies' "squad’s minds will definitely be set on the first Test of the Rugby Championship and the challenge that brings, which is the Bledisloe Cup against New Zealand.

"But first things first; we need a really good quality, polished performance against the French and that will give them some confidence and momentum to start on a positive note against the New Zealand team in Sydney."

Elsewhere, there were also narrow wins for Japan and Scotland which are encouraging for them heading towards the 2015 season and the Rugby World Cup.  It will make a big difference having the tournament in the Northern Hemisphere too.  Japanese coach Eddie Jones has definitely brought an improvement to the Cherry Blossoms.

In the Pacific Nations Cup, Tusi Pisi kicked Manu Samoa to victory over Fiji.  Samoa has been struggling in the competition up until now, but have some big names in their squad who are capable of matching it with the big boys of world rugby on their day.

Which team impressed you the most in the June Internationals and Pacific Nations Cup?  

For me, Japan were impressive winning all of their games, while despite England losing all three of their games, they showed enough to suggest that they will be hard to beat in next year’s World Cup.  The Wallabies also look promising, while the Springboks and All Blacks showed they can win close matches.

 

June Internationals

Argentina 19 - 21 Scotland

Japan 26 - 23 Italy

Australia 39 - 13 France

New Zealand 36 - 13 England

South Africa 31 - 30 Wales

 

Pacific Nations Cup

Fiji 13 - 18 Samoa

USA - Canada

 

 

Land Rover is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and a Presenting Partner of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. Follow @LandRoverRugby on Twitter for exclusive video, imagery and insights from around the Rugby world.