Tri-Nations players to watch

It's that time of year again. The time of year when the Southern Hemisphere Nations participate in the Tri-Nations and try to create a spectacle which proves they are the best rugby playing Nations in the World. The Tri-Nations tournament is especially important for the Southern Hemisphere this year, as they have the chance to put their stall out to show rest of the World as to what they are capable of ahead of the 2011 World Cup, which starts in less than two months.


Each squad from all three countries competing in the tournament contain both familiar faces and players with next to no International experience. All squad announcements have their own controversial topics of discussion, but we will have to wait and to which country has succeeded in coming up with the most complete squad.


As always each team have players of great talent and renowned reputations, but who are the key men and players to watch out for in the 2011 Tri-Nations?


New Zealand


Regarding the most famous rugby team in the World, it is hard to look past the team's captain and openside flanker, Richie McCaw. The 30 year old, 94 times capped player took part in his first All Blacks game as a 20 year old in 2001. McCaw received man of the match in this game, and since then he has become an increasingly integral part of the All Blacks team.

McCaw is the type of player that gains respect merely by the way he plays. There is a fine line between being eager and infringing, and McCaw is always on the edge of legality. However, he seems to have the knack of getting away with decisions which could go the other way. He works extremely hard at the less glamorous breakdown situations, and his skill of knowing how to keep the fine lined balance in his game comes from, as he once admitted, the fact that he tests the referee early "to know what you can get away with"


It is this reading not only of the game, but of the referee also which makes McCaw such a unique player. McCaw's play, not always strictly legal, is always beneficial to the team as a whole and this makes him a great captain. He is prepared to do whatever it takes to win, and this philosophy rubs off on his players. Perhaps not a flair player, McCaw has been described by former Australian captain John Eales as "an outstanding captain, a world class player and a role model for our sport." If he can get hold of a game by the scruff on the neck, the potential for the opposition to win becomes an extremely difficult task.


Australia


For Australia a key player, and arguably the most skilful player in the modern day game is stand-off Quade Cooper. Cooper was born in Waikato, New Zealand, but moved to Australia in 2001, and was one of three players to break the record for most Australian schoolboy caps between 2005 and 2006. On leaving school, Cooper was in and out of the starting line up for the Queensland Reds, but 2010 was his breakthrough year as he was awarded the 2010 Super 14 Player of the Year Award.

Cooper certainly is a flair player, and often comes up with skills and tricks other would only attempt playing touch rugby in the local park. This high risk style of play can be mesmeric, but at the same time it does not always pay off. Some people feel cooper is better suited to inside centre as he is too unpredictable for stand-off, but this trait is also what makes him so dangerous.


Cooper's skills include a great kicking game, an incredible slight of hand, but he is best known for his evasive running skills and attacking play. There are many highlight reels on Youtube dedicated to Cooper's infamous side-step, and it is one of the most devastating and spectacular tools in attacking rugby. A switched on, focused Quade Cooper could set alight Australia's back-line, but will he be able to deliver to his full potential when it really counts?


South Africa


At 1.96m and 117 kg, Danie Rossouw has provided South Africa's pack with bulk and presence since his debut in 2003. Although Rossouw has played most of his rugby at lock, due to the illness of Pierre Spiers, he was picked as first-choice Number 8 for the Springboks in their successful 2007 World Cup campaign. For this Saturday's opening game against Australia, Rossouw has again been picked in the back row, this time on the flanks which will be another challenge for him.

As mentioned Rossouw is certainly a presence on the pitch and his physicality is a huge asset for South Africa. He always gives his all and never holds back, but Rossouw is generally considered a gentle giant off the pitch. It has been said that even his team mates don't know what is going on in his hugely experienced head or the state of his mental or emotional state.


One reason Rossouw will be playing in the back row, and is so important to the Springbok's Tri-Nations campaign is the omission of Juan Smith due to injury. Smith is arguably one of the best blindside flankers in the World, so Rossouw has some big boots to fill. Springbok coach Peter de Villiars has himself stated the importance of Rossouw explaining; “Danie Rossouw is one of those guys that you absolutely need to take on this tour – for the one reason only that you don’t have Juan Smith and he’s the one player in South Africa in the mould of Juan, given how we want to play."


There is a lot resting on Danie Rossouw's shoulders, but if he can come good he will not only prove his playing ability, but his compatibility and versatility within a team. Known for his big hits and physical attributes, he will also be able to showcase these skills more in the less restricted position of back row.