The June tests are completed, and a few surprises have emerged from the International schedule.
The top International sides collided across the globe in the June Tests, with fans engaged as never before. And when the action gets into full swing, it is a great time to place an online bet on Rugby; or any other sport.
Here is a rundown of how the top teams are looking, after a grueling month of June Tests.
New Zealand
The All Blacks are definitely the team to beat, and demonstrated this throughout the month. They were unstoppable in the second 40 minutes of Tests one and three, and dominated a weaker and less inventive French team.
This All Blacks team is strong and runs-deep again, with Scott Barrett and Damian McKenzie in top form. Unless there is a mental lapse (which is unlikely) no team has the firepower or stamina to beat this team.
Ireland
The amount of mental and physical strength that it took for this nation to come back against a determined Australian home team, shows the superiority of Irish rugby. This was their first win in Australia in 39 years, and it is well deserved.
The series was a war all the way through, but Ireland confirmed their seasons accomplishments and abilities with this win in Sydney. Hats off to coach Joe Schmidt, who always gets the best out of his team. Standouts Connor Murray and Johnny Murray, and they did it all – even without dominant play from Ross Byrne.
If the All Blacks were not so dominant, this team would be the class of the field right now.
Wales
It is almost a crime to call Warren Gatland’s squad underdogs, with the level of talent they have, but they always seem to fit that description. The older players on the team have finally been replaced with younger blood, so a little bit of inconsistency is to be expected [perhaps]. But it is great to see them competing so well.
As of late, Wales have not been playing up to their potential and had slipped in the world rankings behind England. But, they have begun to ‘pour it on’ with victories over Argentina and South Africa in November, and again over Argentina in a two-Test series. Wales now sit behind the All Blacks and Ireland; although not so close to those leaders, but look ready for faster-paced play in the future.
England
South Africa was not kind to England. This English team is frustrating to watch because ‘at times’ they seem unbeatable. But then, stupid errors and what seems like a lack of preparation does them in. The high altitude was definitely a factor and so was South Africa’s Faf de Klerk and Duane Vermeulen who were unstoppable, but all in all, England did themselves in too often.
After watching their 2-1 series defeat, there are so many questions about their ability to control a game they are winning.
Australia
This team is not up the level of the top three, and they are finding it hard to position themselves for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. It is good to see them get some younger players on the field to gain valuable experience against a tough Ireland squad.
Wallabies fans really got a chance to see how badly Will Genia was missed when he was injured in the second Test but, David Pocock played like he was never away from the sport. All-in-all, they can take pride in their first Test victory. The brilliant Brisbane crowd was up for it, and cheered them to overachieve, which they did. Probably out-passioned by the Irish (which is easily done) so Aussie needs to both bring in youth, as well as show composure.
See World Rugby rankings here.
The June Tests have set-up many teams for the countdown towards the RWC tournament. Always enjoyable, and a time for fans to show their loyalty and to utilize online rugby betting, as you support your favourite International team.
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