The first Bledisloe Cup match takes centre stage in Round 1, whilst South Africa take on Argentina.
Australia v New Zealand
Less than a year on from the Rugby World Cup, technically the beginning of the 4-year cycle, and the All Blacks are without retirees Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith. They must be fielding a young side and surely this is the time to beat them?
Well, not really. The starting lineup this weekend has over 800 caps. Sam Cane, the heir to Richie McCaw, already has 34, Beauden Barrett at fly-half has 39. How do they do it?
The Aussies were humbled against England at home, but there’s a sense that they were a bit hard-done-by, and the 3-0 whitewash didn’t quite reflect their performances. Michael Cheika has recalled some of their overseas starts such as Will Genia, Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper, giving them an edge is some key areas, and one thing going for Australia is that they never fear playing New Zealand.
They’ll give it a good go, but only a brave man can pick against the All Blacks right now.
My Prediction: NEW ZEALAND to beat Australia by 6
The average SuperBru pick is New Zealand by 12, Bob Skinstad has picked New Zealand by 14, and Paddy Power has NZ by 7.
South Africa v Argentina
Los Jaguares were set to light up Super Rugby, given that 90% of the team was made up of Argentina internationals. It didn’t quite transpire, and they were fairly woeful most weeks, and I can’t see how they’ll put up much a fight on the international stage.
I like the Springbok selection on the whole, with Faf de Klerk and Elton Jantjies in great form pulling the strings at 9 and 10, and they have plenty of firepower on the bench to run the Pumas ragged in the last quarter.
My Prediction: SOUTH AFRICA to beat Argentina by 16
The average SuperBru pick is SA by 12, Bob Skinstad picked SA by 11, and Paddy Power has SA by 12.
Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James