All Blacks climb back to number one ranking and Wallabies dream of a series win. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor).
After slipping to near anonymity for a considerable period, the All Blacks have climbed back to the top of world rugby following the Wallabies stunning performance in Johannesburg over the Springboks, and their own demolition of the Pumas in Argentina.
The Men in Black have been rebuilding in measured strides unlike the Wallabies who have stunned the non believers in their last two outings and are now regarded as a different and difficult proposition.
The All Blacks reflection after a gruelling battle with the Argentinians in Cordoba, Buenos Aires unearthed the value of bench strength and depth in its ranks that saw them pull away for a hard fought 41-24 victory.
What is also intriguing is the sudden slide by the former world number one South Africans who are now in danger of slipping from their current ranking of third, to possibly sixth, if they drop the series against a resurgent Wallabies who are determined not to be overawed by reputation.
The Wallabies themselves can climb to third with a series triumph after dwelling around eighth before the Springbok tour.
The startling Wallabies win in game one, turning a 5-32 half time deficit into a 38-22 victory, has obviously rocked Springboks rugby with coach Rassie Erasmus making drastic changes for the second Test in an attempt to reverse the capitulation.
With four players including skipper Siya Kolisi from game one ruled out through injury, Erasmus has identified South Africa’s weakness among the backs reshuffling almost the whole line-up.
Ten changes for game two clearly suggests panic in the Springboks camp as the reshuffle brings back talented playmaker Handre Pollard, Damian de Allende, Cheshm Kolbe, Canada Moodie while veteran Willie le Roux returns to the last line of defence.
If the succumb again, there will be no excuses as this is an almost full strength Springboks side.
The Wallabies will have their work cut out to contain them. But if they do achieve something special it will be another memorable milestone of back-to-back wins over the Springboks they have not achieved since 1963.
