Last week I lamented about the lack of presence, urgency and innovation in the Springbok team when they played the Pumas in Mendoza. I concluded that on evidence of the lack of presence of the tight five and the slowness of the back row, I can’t see them winning in Brisbane.
The Springboks corrected all those shortcomings this weekend in Brisbane. The result – the greatest ever victory in Australia and the first win in Brisbane in 41 years.
Here is my list of things that really impressed me in this Test followed by a list of things I think they need to work on before they tackle the All Blacks at Edenpark.
Things that impressed in Brisbane:
- The urgency of the back row (flankers and No 8) to get to the breakdowns: For the first time in his Test career, Willem Alberts actually contributed for 80 minutes at the breakdowns. He and Duane Vermeulen showed real urgency and contribution at all collisions (wide and close) for almost the full 80 minutes. They were absent in Mendoza and the results obtained in this match has much to do, in my opinion, with their improved work rate -off and on the ball- in this match.
- Presence of the tight five at the collisions: I have vivid images of Coenie Oosthuizen and Beast mtawarira charging onto the Australian backline like loose forwards. There was real intent to apply pressure, to be in theWallaby faces, by the tight five. Eben Etzebeth showed his usual contributions in the tight loose but was supported this time by the other tight forwards. Flip van der Merwe made an impact as did Bismarck du Plessis. Even Jannie du Plessis was more active in the tight loose than usual.
- Physical presence / intimidation: The Springboks did not allow the Wallabies to push them around after the whistle. They won the physical battle comprehensively in the trenches. They were present and physical – dominant for most of the match.
- The Scrum: The Sprinboks annihilated the Wallabies in the scrums and in the rucks, which provided Will Genia with backfoot ball and essentially took him and Cooper out of the match.
- The defence: The commitment to first time tackles made a massive impact.
- The focus on the ball: I liked the way the Springboks were physical and in the Wallabies faces but totally focussed on the ball. They pushed and shoved back when the Wallabies started to get edgy but kept their focus and did not allow the Wallaby edginess and frustration to get in the way of the main task, namely to win the game.
- The speed onto the ball with the first two tries: The runners hit the passes from Ruan Pienaar at full tilt, flat on the advantage line.
- The urgency at recycling of front foot ball: The first two tries and the third try -to some degree- was the result of real urgency to clear the ball and whip it to the runners on a straight charge. For the first time since Springbok re-admittance, did I sense that the Springboks were starting to understand the league principle of creating forward roll effect. That is moving ground ball into the hands of charging team mates while the defence is still retreating.
- Innovation at the lineouts: Coenie Oosthuizen’s try came from a 5 meter lineout. Everyone was expecting a maul but the backs moved the ball to an incoming runner – the ball was recycled at tempo and popped into the hands of the charging replacement prop. It was the unexpectancy of it and the speed of this endeveour that took the Wallabies by surprise. Zane Kirchner’s try also came from a close quarter line-out. Again, instead of the traditional maul the Springboks did five quick “stampkar’s”, rolling to the left before quickly switching direction. Three or four big forwards were slowly getting off the ground -sort-off’ in the way (a-la Owen Franks) – when Ruan Pienaar changed direction and whipped a long pass to Willie le Roux, in space. I don’t think direct obstruction can be proven with the TV replays but the presence of the loitering forwards provided Ruan Pienaar with that two or three steps he needed to find Willie le Roux. The point here is that it was the step-away from the expected (lineout maul and / or continued stampkar bash-up’s), that created the try.
- Quick hands: The Jean de Villiers and Willie le Roux tries were the direct result of quick hands or a desire to attack space instead of the stereotype attempts to run over-opponents. For almost the first time in his career, a full backline move created an overlap for Bryan Habana. The urgency of the big forwards to get to the ball and recycle it after Habana chip kicked, was a delight to behold. The speed at which that ball went to Jean de Villiers -at the back of a dummy runner- was pure pleasure. Willie le Roux’s try came from a Duanne Vermeulen turnover and a back-hand offload. The ball skipped on the ground to Willie le Roux in space and that essentially created the try.
- Collective and aggressive counter-rucking with low body positions: The Springboks prevented the Wallabies from getting rhythm with constant urgent defence and aggressive collective counter-rucking. The result was 5 turnovers, 4 penalties and constant slow ball for Will Genia.
Things that the Springboks can still work on:
- Discipline at the tackle ball: In particular Flip van der Merwe was guilty of ill dicipline. He was penalised at least 4 times for the same type of offenses. This is a constant theme with Flip van der Merwe. Every time he comes on as a substitution he gets penalised within 5 minutes from taking the field.
- The lull the team went into after halftime: The whole Springbok team was in “lala land” for the first 7 minutes after halftime. The All Blacks will score two tries in 7 minutes if the Springboks become so unfocussed, from the dressing room, after halftime.
- Steyn’s tactical kicking at the start of the second half -in particular – but also sporadically during the match: There was just too much “Just-kicking-it-down-field” in the 10 minutes after halftime. This is a particular theme when the Springboks are in the lead. If you do kick it to the corners, see to it that you force a lineout or push the catcher against the touchline. Kicking it to the middle of the field, down the throat of a waiting Isreal Dagg, it would be asking for trouble.
In summary, I was extremely pleased with the Springbok team’s performance against Australia’s Wallabies. That meekness so evident when they play outside South Africa was gone. The Springboks announced themselves on the field in no uncertain terms, but kept their focus. They were conservative (not neglecting traditional strengths), yet innovative (trying new stuff) and they are willing to run with the ball.
Well done Bokkies!
GBS. You were right. Our loose fowards did outplay the Aussies. I didn’t think they will be quick enough to get to the breakdowns when the ball goes wide. They did and the result speak for itself. The contant TV replay’s helped, I believe. The first time tackles and workrate at the collions also prevented the Aussies from getting momentum. This slowed the game down and helped our big forwards to stay in the game.
What the hell is oustandinv?
@ Loosehead:
Damn typo that I did correct. Forgot you need to correct at the bottom of the page as well. So by the way I saw you also made a typo :).
1 @ McLook:
Hello, yip I am glad the Springboks played exactly to their strenghts, as I wanted them to play.
They kept the ball closer to the Springbok forwards who all had a stellar day, which in turn meant that the Springboks were in the right parts of the pitch to launch lethal attacks with a back division which is becoming ever more lethal.
The Springbok defence and umbrella defence in particular was simply momentous, leaving the Wallabies reeling and unable to run riot out wide.
I say once again, Ewen McKenzie will never be able to play successful International rugby against the world’s top International sides by employing “Reds Rugby”. Defensive nous and solidity at top International level is simply too well organised for helter skelter Reds-type rugby to work.
What made the Springboks successful yesterday, was the platform the Springbok forwards laid, the guts and passion and 150% effort, whilst keeping their heads! The guts and passion and that vital muscle between the ears was there yesterday… they were absolutely fired-up and focussed!
Willie le Roux at right wing is where he belongs, Zane Kirchner at fullback silenced many and he was solid as a rock. For once our Springbok midfield defence was solid… because it was better organised and focussed.. and the result says 4 tries to NONE!
The balance in the CURRENT looseforwards is correct… the combo is balanced between an out-and-out-fetcher, a strike-running and monster-tackling blindsider and a No 8 with good hands, who tackles and strike-runs.
The starting locks of Eben Etzebeth & Flip van der Merwe, provides more grunt from the start, with Juandré’s impact from the bench exactly the right medicine the Bokke needed when he came on.
The set pieces was sooooooo good to see, we bliksemmed the Wallas at scrumtime and at the lineouts… but even better than that, the Springboks ruled the breakdown points! Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen & Scott Fardy was nowhere yesterday… with the Springboks under the proverbial blanket!
All of this said… the acid test is this weekend against the All Blacks, who are a much better side than the Ozzmob who is a terrible side at present!
Watch out for a possible Pumas upset in Australia… there is a very real possibility of that, however it would still be a surprise if the do win.
@ grootblousmile:
Happy bifday!
Hoop die volgende jaar is gesond en suksesvol, tjeers bruvva!
5 @ Pietman:
Dankie Pieta… my vriend deur dik en dun!
Ek was vandag skoon useless lui… laat opgestaan, so min as moontlik gedoen… bederf gewees, omring deur goeie mense.
I can imagine how whenever(anytime) Morne kicks, most “supporters” freak out about his “aimless” kicking.
there was 1 or 2 aimless kicks out of 5, Morne only kicked 5 times, I think 2 of them were massive bombs that helped compete for the ball.
The kick down the center also makes sense to me (if we got our defensive lines out in a straight line) as it is usually easier to cover than going for touch that could lead to a gap outside and it’s usually what we do when we have taken the ball back into the 22. We do ran now and then from there and it will catch teams by surprise.
It is more than aimless kicking, it is a strategy than involves the whole team, it involves kicking as far as possible, having a STRAIGHT defensive line and with advancing momentum us smashing them at the ruck 40m up field.
While Steyn had an average game compared to his 2013 standards, I think people should calm down more and not fuss with EVERY single kick.
@ grootblousmile:
Hey Ou Toppie.
Congrat’s for another year in the land of the living.
Half century approaching swiftly.
I thought that Pienaar had a decent game at SH. He seemed to be a lot crisper in getting the ball cleared, but then, it’s so much easier with good clean, go forward ball.
Well done SA. A thouroughly entertaining game that really sets the championship up nicely.
Aussies, well I would say that it’s back to the drawing board, but I think the SAFFAS broke your drawing board into little pieces and used it to start the braai with on Saturday evening.
6 @ grootblousmile:
Happy Birthday for yesterday gbs.
3 @ McLook:
McLook,
Don’t let them hassle you with the typos…hehe.
Terrific article mate, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Best article on our Boks out of any of the sites I have read so far.
9 @ Scrumdown:
Your last line… hehehe 🙂
I don’t think they will live that braai video down after we thrashed them like that… hahaha… 🙂
Very good article and summation, thanks McLook.
A very, very happy b’day GBS, for yesterday, and here’s to the next few!!!!
Well done again, Boks – far too good a match to criticise anyone, or anything. Best match we have seen from them in a good few years. Loved it.
IT’s been very interesting to see how the Aussie press have reacted to this match. They are far worse than our journo’s, and the team, and McEwen must be reeling right now
13 @ Just For Kicks:
10 @ Puma:
Thanks chaps for the birthday wishes!
Was a great birthday this time round, with the great rugby on the weekend and just generally magnificent people surrounding my life!
I am blessed indeed!
Chirs Rattue: Titanic clash looms at Eden Park.
From New Zealand Herald.
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Titanic clash looms at Eden Park
By Chris Rattue
Liam Messam’s defensive ability, physical qualities and experience are a must, says Rattue. Photo / Getty Images
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Liam Messam’s defensive ability, physical qualities and experience are a must, says Rattue. Photo / Getty Images
The All Blacks’ remarkable record at Eden Park will fall on Saturday. There, got that out, and now for the theories.
Call it a hunch, call it madness, but there is a cocky, fresh-looking Springbok pack heading this way while the All Blacks’ exertions against the muscular Argentines have taken petrol out of their tank. Using a lesson from the 2011 World Cup, it is advisable to evaluate the physical toll from previous games. The All Blacks have a clutch of injured players due back but that in itself could prove a problem if they are, collectively, not quite right.
South African sides operate best on straightforward game plans. Pretoria is the home of rugby simplicity and Heyneke Meyer is transferring that blueprint to the national side.
They were men against boys in Brisbane, where the Wallaby pack rolled over in the face of gigantic opponents. Springbok captain Jean de Villiers’ post-match words for the Wallabies typified why he is held in high regard but that shouldn’t mask the attitude within, a mood that emerged as the big Boks appeared to taunt their feeble opponents.
Australia are turning into a rugby embarrassment but that doesn’t detract from how impressive South Africa were and their confidence will be lifted by the absence of Richie McCaw.
The All Blacks desperately need a fit Owen Franks to anchor the front row, which in turn will help avoid an excess of scrum trauma that can affect them elsewhere. Liam Messam’s defensive ability, physical qualities and experience are also a must. But there will be doubts over the fitness of both, the McCaw factor is gone, there is a lack of 80-minute power and authority at hooker, the same applies at lock if Sam Whitelock or Brodie Retallick can’t go the distance, and the All Blacks have not established assured impact from their bench.
A strange contradiction surrounds the All Blacks this year. On one hand there is much to admire yet on the other they actually look ready to crack, especially as a few players are heading over the hill.
South African sides tend to be at their best when they don’t over-complicate the game plan. Against Australia, they created the rubble before running amok. Morne Steyn remains a weakness and a strength – his composure and goalkicking are a must yet the Springboks will never reach another level while he plods around in the No10 jersey. Wing Willie le Roux – a Cory Jane type – partly compensates for this but rugby traditional Bulls style doesn’t actually covet another level anyway.
It’s a dangerous business betting against the All Blacks and especially at Eden Park, where they are unbeaten for nearly 20 years. But there comes a time when that danger becomes too attractive.
The Boks look primed, and Auckland’s changing demographics will afford them major support. Whatever the outcome, a titanic clash is in store. This is, once again, the battle of all battles in world rugby. Can’t wait.
Having our annual champagne breakfast this Saturday before the game at my place.
This is my rugby highlight for the year, every year part World Cup finals
I am going to have huge troubles sleeping from Thursday night onwards
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