Nations Championship opens with thrills but refereeing inconsistency persists

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Opening rounds of inaugural global competition provided compelling moments but the same old frustrations over refereeing consistency remain

There are a few contenders for the most striking image from the first block of fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship. Was it South Africa splintering the Wales scrum like balsa wood in Durban? Or England’s Manny Feyi-Waboso underlining his potential to be one of the superstars of next year’s Rugby World Cup? Or maybe New Zealand reminding everyone, themselves included, how lethal they can be when they trust the catch-pass game that was once their default setting?

There were some definite coaching winners, too, inevitably led by Rassie Erasmus but also including the All Blacks’ new head man, Dave Rennie, who is three from three so far. Anyone seeking another serious fix of international rugby need look no further than next month’s Greatest Rivalry series between the Springboks and the All Blacks, an even spicier prospect now the visitors are back up and running.

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