The Rugby Championship 2024 kicks off on Saturday featuring a glut of Japan-based players.
Australia hosts back-to-back world champions South Africa in the opener at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane before New Zealand’s welcomes Argentina to the Sky Stadium in Wellington.
RugbyJP asked five players from League One’s top-flight for their predictions for this year’s tournament.
Quade Cooper (Kintetsu Liners)
“Ah man, I honestly don’t know. I just want our boys to win but New Zealand will be interesting with their new coaching staff and South Africa are the favourites with their squad depth. Come on Aussie boys!”
Lomano Lemeki (Honda Heat)
“I think the All Blacks will win. Their brand of rugby will be too good and they have a lot of fire power.”
Curtis Rona (Mitsubishi Dynaboars)
“I think it’s going to be the closest championship to date! New Zealand with a new coach and they’re hungry for early success! South Africa with a World Cup in the bag and ready to defend it. Australia also with a new coach and players with Eddie leaving last year. Los Pumas will always be contenders with the passion they play with which is unmatched.”
George Turner (Kobe Steelers)
“I guess the All Blacks mate. It’s just a feeling and they have the rep.”
Jake Ball (Green Rockets)
“South Africa is the team to beat in the Rugby Championship. Their blend of experience, physicality, and tactical nous sets them apart. Having played against them, I can tell you their forward pack is relentless - they dominate the set-pieces and breakdowns, which allows them to dictate the flow of the game.
“Their defence is rock-solid, and they’ve got the ability to turn the smallest mistakes into points. With a mix of seasoned players and explosive young talent, South Africa has the depth and versatility to handle anything thrown at them.
“They’ve shown time and again that they can outmuscle, outthink, and outlast the competition. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lift the trophy. Be interesting to see how Australia get on against them tomorrow could be an ugly result!”
All 12 games in this year’s tournament will air live on WOWOW in Japan.
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