Tri Nations PreJudgement: Australia v South Africa ANZ Stadium, Sydney

The Tri Nations is finally here and after a fantastic and eventful SupeRugby tourney, its time to see if the International  coaches can capitalise on good form and use the correct combo's leading up to the IRB Rugby World Cup.

With the team sheets being released early this week its gives us all some time to ponder the selections as well as give our 2 cents worth on what should be...

Springbok Coach PDivvy has named three new caps in Ashley Johnson, Werner Kruger and Dean Greyling and I am looking forward to seeing how they fair on the international stage. Looking at the Springbok team I am quite happy with the starting line up and think there is a great mix in the run on side. I am interested to see how Wynand Oliver performs as he is extremely one dimensional on attack but does have the exciting Jean de Jongh outside him. Hopefully the combination of a familiar fly half and de Jongh on his outside will be a good thing. Gio Aplon at 15 is great to see as he is solid on defense and offers loads on attack with the options of hooking up with awesome wingers. 

The Wallabies have named a great backline but will their forwards be able to do the job and secure some good ball for them? I have no doubt that fielding the likes of Genia, Cooper, Ioane, O'Connor and Beale will get all running rugby supporters salivating at the prospect of seeing the worlds best on the international stage. All this fire power would be futile unless the can get some great ball. A Perfect example was their first ever loss against Samoa on Saturday. How will this loss motivate the home side in this first Tri Nations game?

I think the forwards are pretty evenly matched but the difference will come in the backline. The Aussie midfield could be the weak link in this game but if Cooper is in a mood and the outside backs connect with him it may be trouble. It is also the Springboks first game of the season with players that are looking to get the IRB RWC nod from the Coach.

PreJudgement: Springboks by 5

Just a little something to wet your appetites...