Nick Evans talks about The Rugby Championship Round 4

The rugby season is in full flow worldwide, and this weekend sees a massive game in Wellington in The Rugby Championship.

The two powerhouses that operate in the Southern Hemisphere meet this weekend. TalkingRugbyUnion caught up with Harlequins fly half, Nick Evans to talk about last weekend’s games and preview future fixtures.

In his interview with Nick Heath, the London based Kiwi gave his views on the All Black’s performances to date, Australia’s comeback versus South Africa and the role of Autumn Internationals.

He also backs Aaron Cruden to maintain his first choice position as the All Blacks fly half.

In addition, Scott Donaldson provides his analysis of The Rugby Championship Round 4.

There is with the top of the table clash between the All Blacks and Springboks, while the Pumas will search for their first win in the Rugby Championship in Australia.  Interestingly, a win for the Springboks by more than 15 points will not only take them back to the lead in The Rugby Championship, but also give them the World Number 1 ranking in the IRB Rankings.

Looking game by game:

All Blacks vs Springboks

The All Blacks should win this match and enter it as hot favourites after impressive wins over the Wallabies and Pumas.  The Springboks are coming off two scratchy wins over the Pumas and a loss to the Wallabies.  Both teams will be fired up for this top of the table clash as they are the top two teams in the world.

The All Blacks are flourishing, even though a defeat of more than 15 points will hand the Springboks the World Number 1 tag.  Because the NZRU holds the reins of New Zealand rugby, the All Blacks are well managed and this makes the All Blacks a great product.  The All Blacks home games have been sellouts this season, unlike at Super Rugby and ITM Cup games.

Compare this to the Springboks who have a disjointed look with club coming before country.  They are selecting players from clubs all over the world, and Scott Donaldson believes “it has affected the Springboks in recent years.”

The weather will probably be raining and so it is interesting that the Springboks are starting Handre Pollard with his running game rather than Morne Steyn.  

These conditions could well suit the Springboks who will be looking to spoil the All Blacks party.  Is it the right game to experiment in the Number 10 jersey for the Springboks in a Rugby Championship test?  

Scott predicts: All Blacks

Players to watch: All Blacks - Dane Coles, Steven Luatua, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Cruden, Kieran Read. Do keep your eyes on Jeremy Thrush.

Springboks - Victor Matfield, Duane Vermeulen, Adriaan Strauss and some like Cornal Hendricks, Jan Serfontein and Handre Pollard will have a big opportunity.

Australia vs Argentina

The Wallabies are coming off a win over the Springboks, while the Pumas were humbled by the All Blacks.  This game is a potential banana skin for the Wallabies, with the Pumas having the ability to dominate the Wallabies in the forwards.  The Wallabies have brought in Ben McCalman, Peter Betham and Tatafu Polota-Nau to add some energy to their team.  This game will be played infront of a smallish crowd on the Gold Coast.   

Scott predicts: Wallabies

Players to watch: For the Wallabies - Israel Folau, Peter Betham, Ben McCalman, Tatafu Polatu-Nau, Michael Hooper and Bernard Foley.

For the Pumas: Agustin Creevy and Manuel Montero