The Best Bench

The rugby championship has come to an end with the New Zealand All Blacks winning with a resounding victory in their last match over the Argentine Pumas. The All Blacks fresh of a home rugby world cup win last year where always the favourites coming in to the competition. The lacklustre efforts of the Australian Wallabies and South African Springbok were certainly not going to trouble them.

The Championship only in it's first year is an interesting new development in international rugby. The Pumas previously only able to play on an international level in the world cup qualifiers and the cup itself, where unable to develop their obviously talented side. Despite not winning a game the fiery Argentine side certainly put on a world class show and almost beat both the Wallabies and South Africa during the competition. 

The Wallabies widely criticised over the course of the competition for their disorganisation, poor defence and lack of passion; certainly have work to do going forward to their tour of europe. A lot of key injuries during the tournament highlighted concerns in Australia's inability to provide similar depth of their bench and in key positions as New Zealand. Injuries included Will Genia, Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Quade Cooper, David Pocock, Wycliff Palu, Lokati Timani and Digby Ioane; all of which are starters in a the wallabies best IX. However the injuries whilst exposing a lack of world class depth at scrum half and prop, also allowed young talents such as dennis hooper and liam gill to stake their claim for international caps. Injuries also allowed a return to form for veteran Nathan Sharpe, a now crucial part of the Wallabies once again.

One thing is for certain still however, the wallabies can't afford injuries at the moment. The inability for any Australian to make the championships best IX highlights the need for continue development of the bench players and hopefully a speedy return from injury for many of our starters. France made last years World Cup Final and scared a quality New Zealand. They are our first opponent and will not be easy t o best at home in the Stadio de paris. 

http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/rugby-union/union-news/team-of-the-rugby-championship-20121009-27ace.html