2010 Tri Nations Cup review
The 2010 Tri Nations Cup tournament was another exciting instalment of one of the rugby world’s best international competitions. The New Zealand All Blacks, Australian Wallabies and South African Springboks entered the engagement as the top three ranked squads in the world by the International Rugby Union and left still holding the top three places.
The final standings saw the All Blacks claim first position with six wins and an impressive 27 points along with a point differential of plus-27. The Wallabies slotted into second spot with two wins and a total of 11 points and a point differential of minus-26. Finally the Springboks finished last, earning one win and seven points with a differential of minus-47.
The 2010 tournament proved to be one of the most surprising in years as South Africa entered the fray as the favourite to take the crown and finished at the bottom of the table. Moreover, the Boks were expected to dislodge the All Blacks from their first place spot in the IRB rankings as soon as the second game. However, the All Blacks managed to extend their lead on second place, while the Boks fell to third, being passed by the Wallabies.
The tournament also allowed viewers get a look at the future of all three sides and their prospective rosters for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The All Blacks proved they should still be considered the front-runner to take the title next year. Meanwhile an ageing Springboks side had trouble keeping up with the youth of both the Kiwis and the Aussies and might in fact need an influx of young blood into their line-up.
The Aussies looked the most promising after they headed into the tournament as the underdog. Coach Robbie Deans committed to bringing youth along in anticipation of the 2011 World Cup and it paid off in a big way. Not only did Australia finish in second spot, but it also garnered important experience for its young players.
The tournament also saw the emergence of several future superstars. The All Blacks Piri Weepu showed that he has what it takes to take over for Dan Carter when he decides to call it quits. The Wallabies got strong performances from youngsters such as Matt Giteau and Quade Cooper, who they hope will be cornerstones of the program for several years. Meanwhile the Springboks Morne Steyn showed that he is perhaps the best fly-half in the world.
The 2010 Tri Nations tournament was an exciting display of rugby, in the always competitive southern hemisphere. The three squads now must look towards the all important Rugby World Cup in 2011.
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