Springboks need massive favour from Eddie Jones
PERMUTATIONS: South Africa’s chances of claiming the Rugby Championship trophy are extremely slim following their defeat to New Zealand last weekend.
However, it is not impossible.
The All Blacks’ 35-20 win over the Springboks has put them on top of the table in the abbreviated Rugby Championship competition.
The Southern Hemisphere showpiece has shortened from a six-match tournament to a three – ahead of the World Cup in France later this year.
Ian Foster’s men look all set to be crown champions when they take on Australia in Melbourne on July 29.
New Zealand beat Argentina 41-12 in Mendoza in the season opener, before recording a 35-20 win over South Africa in Round Two.
They have nine log points and sit with 44 point difference at the top of the table.
The Springboks are in second with five log points and a 16 points difference courtesy of their 43-12 win over the Wallabies in Pretoria in Round One.
It’s clear that the Boks no longer have their destiny in their own hands, in pursuit of the title.
However, lifting the trophy is not impossible.
A rare win for Wallabies over the All Blacks will give the Boks a glimmer of hope of being crowned the champions.
However, a W or a draw for New Zealand would see them lift the trophy, while even a losing bonus point will also be enough to secure the title.
Should Eddie Jones’ men win and restrict the All Blacks from a losing bonus point, the Springboks would have to record a bonus-point win over Argentina at Ellis Park – which is a mission they are surely expected to achieve.
That win will take the Boks to 10 points.
In the case that New Zealand lose but secure a bonus point and South Africa record a bonus-point win over Argentina, both teams will conclude the tournaments on 10 points.
However, the title will be awarded to New Zealand as their win over the Boks in Auckland will see them end first according to SANZAAR’s rules.
Los Pumas and Wallabies are out of the running for the top spots.
Michael Cheika’s side can conclude the 2023 season second on nine points if they manage a win over the Boks on July 29.
