Looking at that game again the ABs were totally at sea on the box kicks. Bridge even after trying to avoid the knock on by taking the ball facing his line and gifting a try….continued with this technique.
Barrett was brilliant but battered from all sides because the ABs failed to balk the rush. They had 2 players going for the charge who were always effectively out of the rush curtain.
And this got worse rather than better as the game progressed. Apart from all the rushed handling errors, this was the crux of their problems.
Australia never sorted the box kick, nor did the Lions….can the ABs? It’s not a given as so many seem to asssume.
This team looked a lot more ordinary under Bok pressure which will be there again big time on Saturday. Unlike most pundits I see no reason why the second game will be easier for the men in black. Based on the first test I’d say it’s too close to call. Although I doubt the Boks can get a more accommodating ref than last week.
