Boks in trouble but ABs also have issues

The Bulls were plain awful against the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

I'd say the Springboks will be a little concerned. That's based on the rugby played by the Bulls — a side with a fair few test players — because they were plain awful against the Blues on Friday night.

They were so short of ideas they repeatedly opted for the rolling maul. Again, again and again. And even though they were going forward with it and winning penalties, they still couldn't convert their dominance into victory.

They would have smoked the Blues if they had played at even half the level we know they could.

The thing that struck me about both teams at Eden Park was the lack of patience. For professional sides to be lacking in that area so badly was a concern.

And I don't think it will be only the Springbok coaches with a few concerns, either. I'd imagine All Blacks coach Steve Hansen isn't too happy about his front-row options.

Tony Woodcock just doesn't look like the Tony Woodcock we know he can be. He certainly doesn't look like the Tony Woodcock who was so effective at the last World Cup.

Keven Mealamu isn't getting a start and I'm just not sure what he's got left anyway. At the Crusaders, young front rower Nepo Laulala is playing better than Owen Franks but I guess the latter will be picked for his experience.

The biggest worry is, of course, at hooker. Dane Coles is injured and been a injury-prone this season, and Mealamu is a concern and then I'm pretty much at a loss.

The door seems very much open for a young hooker to come in and pick up a spot at the World Cup.

Nathan Harris is going to be interesting because he hasn't played this year and, by the sounds of it, is another four or five weeks away. It's going to be a big ask to pick a player with his lack of experience and ask him to come straight into test matches.

I'd suggest the All Blacks might be once bitten, twice shy when it comes to Hika Elliot. They have tried him and not been convinced.

I just can't see Motu Matu'u being an option and both the Crusaders and Highlanders are rotating their hookers each week, which makes it hard to get a good read on any of them and also suggests there isn't a candidate standing out and pressing a strong claim.

James Parsons, I'd guess, is crossed out on the basis he plays for the Blues and that leaves the selectors with a game of paper, scissors, rock to decide.

The Springboks will have a few things worrying them but so, too, will the All Blacks.