Big 2016 tipped for Australian rugby

  • 17/12/2015
David Pocock (Getty Images)
David Pocock (Getty Images)

New Zealand rugby fans may have been spoiled rotten in 2015, but one Australian sporting website is claiming glory will move across the Tasman next year.

Foxsports has made 16 predictions for 2016 season, with one glaring prophecy being the Green and Gold lifting the Bledisloe Cup against a new-look All Blacks after the trophy has spent the last 13 years in New Zealand.

"If there was ever a good time to come up against the All Blacks, 2016 is the year," Foxsports wrote.

"Yes, New Zealand has unrivalled depth at their disposal, but what can’t be replaced — immediately anyway — is aura.

"Furthermore, the Wallabies — World Cup runners-up — are a team on the rise, led by a coach in Michael Cheika who demands high standards and expects results.

"So, 2016 is the year of the Wallaby."

A strong season for Australian rugby is backed up with a prediction that the Brumbies will win the 2016 Super Rugby title.

The Brumbies have added Argentine halfback Tomas Cubelli and Foxsports believes his addition rounds out the side.

"The Brumbies fought tooth and nail for [Cubelli's] services because they understood that he provided the key to linking the backs and the forwards.

"With David Pocock leading the charge on-field and Stephen Larkham providing the brains off it, only mass injuries can take the title away from then."

With a Bledisloe Cup and Super Rugby title coming his way, it'll be less of a surprise if Pocock wins World Player of the year like Foxsports foresees.

"Had it not been for a couple of clutch Dan Carter drop goals in the World Cup knockout matches then Pocock would likely have been named the 2015 world player of the year."

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