Let us put to one side our domestic world of club rugby and celebrate the arrival of the Southern Hemisphere Rugby giants. Given the excitement of the tournament just gone, and the quality of some of the rugby on display, there is genuine anticipation that if some statement results are possible this would mean plenty in the development phase towards World Cup winning squads. The good form of our top players over here gives more confidence again, and I suspect that the usual variables of shrewd selection, savvy tactics and the weather will all play their part. Despite the temptations of an imminent beach holiday, all the tourists have good reason to want to finish on a high note.

The All Blacks are vulnerable no doubt. In a fast game they can cut loose  and score tries from anywhere, the likes of Clarke, Barrett (x2) ,Jordan and Savea have real line-breaking capability. But their front five is seemingly average and their defence quite porous as even the Wallabies showed. England should make it third time lucky and Ireland may be targeting an even more comprehensive win. For the men in white, off-field dramatics should not matter as they should get plenty of front foot ball and they know how to score tries now. I worry about the lack of match fitness of some of our more senior players such as Curry, Slade and Ford who may struggle if the pace is hot, which it could be. Replacement strategy matters and I will have to get used to the fact that Ben Earl is now regarded as a back up centre. Sounds Jones-esque and I would much rather see us trust in a known talent especially when our problems in New Zealand stemmed from an inability to go and win the game in the last 20 minutes. Please prove me wrong, Ben.

The scalp everyone really wants is South Africa and in my mind England can earn double points by downing the Boks who are on record as wishing to finish their season on a high. They could have selected another twenty and been just as strong, so I wonder if the right ones are touring! Rassie Erasmus’ selections have been spot on so far and we will see if that continues, he has an embarrassment of riches. England will either seek a weather driven arm wrestle or go head to head and see where they really are, which could really test our forwards whose attacking flair is a little limited outside Earl and Cunningham-South. I am seriously excited though at this opportunity for our best to see what they can do, and this time with some attacking pedigree unlike in the World Cup when we could hardly string a pass together.

As for Scotland and Wales, their club form is excellent so they will approach their challenges with more than a little optimism. Wales in particular could surprise. As they rebuild trust with sensible off field appointments, some confidence is filtering through and recent URC results by Scarlets and Cardiff show what can be done with some young talent. As for Glasgow, I have them as outside bets for the Investec Champions Cup. They fear no-one, play a hard and abrasive style laced with attacking potency – not dissimilar to they way in which South Africa operate. Expect a National side with the same attitude. If the Springboks return home with a clean sheet they will have earnt it.

Meantime, if Argentina turn up with their A game and the emotional intensity they have brought at times, no-one is safe, not even France. Do not be fooled by the thumping they suffered at the hands of the Springboks in the tournament decider because no-one could have lived with the Boks that day.

Lastly, at home and a little under the radar screen, a chance for some Championship Clubs to knock over some big names in the upcoming Premiership Cup weekend. I suspect that Doncaster, Cornish Pirates and Ealing are licking their lips in particular, but let all my fellow clubs step up and show what they are capable of!  

Some great rugby weekends to savour!

Hallers