David Campese predictions: 'All-time great' Springbok to win Rugby ...

As we move into the final round of the 2024 Rugby Championship we see New Zealand host the Wallabies in Wellington, whilst the heroes of last weekend, Los Pumas travel to Nelspruit where the Springboks will look to exact revenge and turn over the result of Round five.

David Campese joins us once again for his predictions.

“Ahhh, the Wellington curse! It’s as windy as hell here as I write this and there’s serious concern around the Kiwi watching public that this ground is a bogey venue for the All Blacks.

“However, I don’t think the teams will be considering that much and it should be another corker of a game. In fact, I’d say this is the Wallabies’ best chance of overturning New Zealand, especially since they’re dropping off a bit towards the end of matches, whilst Australia seemed to grow into the game last weekend.

“Couple that with some changes in the AB side due to injury and tactical choice and I’m looking forward to this one. I quite like the look of the Wallaby bench with big Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ben Donaldson and Tate McDermott to come on and lift the tempo, but on the flip side of that, a New Zealand side with Beauden Barrett at 10 is a better side than with McKenzie at 10.”

Head to Head: “It’s TJ Perenara’s last game for New Zealand – he’s a warrior and the heartbeat of the All Blacks and he’ll want to put in a big shift against Jake Gordon. An interesting subplot is both teams have cracking nines on the bench with Cortez Ratima facing off against McDermott in the latter stages.

Players to Watch: “Taniela Tupou – but it’s more about clock watching with him! The longer he goes, the better it is for Australia. For the Kiwis, Wallace Sititi looks to the manor born and his tussle with Bobby Valentini will be crucial.”

Campo’s Call: “It’s going to be close, All Blacks by one or two – I’ll go 29-28 to the hosts.”

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“OK, for the Springboks fans, all good things must come to an end and that includes your winning streak! But you were beaten by an outstanding side and the Boks aided Argentina with so many changes. Factor in the Santiago heat, some marginal calls that went Los Pumas’ way and you’ll agree it was the perfect storm last weekend and Argentina were great value for their win.

“This weekend will be different. Nelspruit is a bone-hard surface, although not at extreme altitude like some others. The Boks have picked a formidable side and I expect this to be business as usual, especially since Marcos Kremer, a defensive wall for Argentina, is injured and will be missed hugely.

“Los Pumas have stacked their bench knowing the last 30 is the time SA step on the gas. They also tend to follow up a big win with a poor performance- I don’t know why that is but it’s happened on several occasions recently so I’ll be interested to see how this goes.”

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Head to head: “OK, I know one is wearing four and one five, but if there was a competition for pantomime villains in Test rugby, Eben Etzebeth and Tomas Lavanini would beat all comers! Both are as abrasive as hell. Obviously, Eben is an all-time great, but Lavanini has also been a tremendous servant to Argentinian rugby. I wish Eben all the best in becoming the most capped Bok; he really deserves this honour, a wonderfully skilled lock.”

Players to Watch: “I like the look of this young Puma eight Joaquin Oviedo – he’s athletic and his work last week to set up Joel Sclavi’s try was outstanding. Santi Chocobares is probably the best 12 in the world right now, but Damian de Allende is back for the Boks and he’ll have something to say about my assessment above. Lastly, don’t overlook the impact of Kwagga Smith – he’s more of a guided missile than a bomb off the bench and I love his skillset.”

Campo’s Call: “I can’t see Los Pumas hitting the heights of last weekend and the Boks need a performance. Etzebeth’s record will inspire them and I see this being around 31-19 to South Africa.”

READ MORE: Eben Etzebeth: The career timeline of the Springboks lock from rookie enforcer to all-time great