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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Who can stop New Zealand? 6 views
26 October 2012 by Englandfan
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The All Blacks have continued their dominance of international Rugby Union in recent months.
New Zealand headed into the Four Nations Rugby Championship on the back of a dominant mid-season test series display against Ireland, and expected by many betting news networks to continue their strong run of form.
The All Blacks whitewashed their European opponents, amassing more than 124 points in the three matches between the two teams.
But clashes with South Africa, Australia and Australia would surely offer a much tougher test for the reigning World Champions, who have prepared for matches since their win at the tournament with the proverbial target above their heads.
But, while England found life difficult following their World Cup win in 1999, as each opponent raised their game for matches against the Red Rose, New Zealand appear to have taken their new role at the top of the IRB World Rankings as the best team in the world in their stride.
First up for the All Blacks at the Rugby Championship were the two Bledisloe Cup clashes with Antipodean rivals Australia, who headed into the tournament eager to prove they have what it takes to challenge their neighbours for the title of best in the world.
But what followed left few people in doubt about who currently holds that honour, as New Zealand recorded two reasonably comfortable wins over Australia to get their Four Nations campaign off to the perfect start.
Home and away victories over South Africa and Argentina followed as Steve Hansen’s men cruised to top spot without a single blotch on their copybook, much to the expectation of most news sport pundits.
The last leg of the 2013 International season sees New Zealand pit their wits against the Wallabies once again, while a European tour, taking in matches against Scotland, Italy, Wales and England, is also on the horizon.
But with the All Blacks in this kind of form, it’s difficult to envisage anything other than a dominant end to the year for the world champions, who are already rated by many as the overwhelming favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy again in 2015.
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