New All Blacks and Wallabies coaches are generating significant interest in this year’s Rugby Championship among South African fans. Renowned South African rugby journalist Mark Keohane noted that while South African attention has shifted towards their teams in the United Rugby Championship, there is still considerable interest in DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
Keohane attributed this interest largely to the new coaches for New Zealand and Australia, Scott Robertson and Joe Schmidt, who will be leading their teams in the upcoming Rugby Championship.
He highlighted that the Brumbies have been the top Australian team in Super Rugby Pacific. In New Zealand, increased broadcast audience numbers and attendance at games are being driven by the resurgence of the Hurricanes and Blues, and the temporary decline of the Crusaders.
Keohane praised New Zealander Vern Cotter, a notable coaching figure from his time at Clermont in France, and for his roles with Scotland and Fiji. Cotter’s recent success with the Blues has been particularly impressive, as he has managed to restore their former Super Rugby glory, a feat many high-profile coaches have failed to achieve. Cotter’s appreciation for strong forwards has also been noted. The Blues are improving, and several Auckland players are expected to be in contention when Robertson announces his first All Blacks squad.
Schmidt is anticipated to build on the Brumbies’ strengths and will likely consider Reds players who have been crucial to their resurgence.
Keohane also mentioned the significant player development in the professional game in New Zealand and Australia. The All Blacks, who narrowly lost to the Springboks 12-11 in the 2023 World Cup final, are expected to be more consistent and formidable under Robertson compared to his predecessor, Ian Foster. Schmidt is also expected to enhance the Wallabies with his tactical acumen, making this year’s Rugby Championship particularly exciting. The Argentinian Pumas, having secured recent victories against the Springboks, Wallabies, and All Blacks, add to the competition’s intensity.
Keohane also noted the historical context, pointing out that since 1994, the Springboks have only won four Tests and drawn two in 25 matches played in New Zealand, and since 1993, have won seven and drawn two out of 34 Tests in Australia. This amounts to 11 wins in 59 Tests on either side of the Tasman Sea.
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