The Boks lost today because:
1. Defence - Bok's defence looked weaker than usual or the All-Black attack was just too good for it. Having so many backline players out of position may have been a factor.
2. Breakdown - All Blacks got parity. Not starting Marx, also ceded a Bok trump card.
3 Box kicks - were fielded well by the All Blacks, and just amounted to giving over possession.
Hendrikse is more consistent than most with his box kicks, but a few were short.
When this tactic is not working, there needs to be a plan B.
Herschelle Jantjies was amateurish kicking the ball away at the end of the match chasing one try with a few minutes left in the game.
4. Basic errors crept into the Bok game today, and vital moments on attack.
5. Players out of position
The 6/2 bench meant that Delande went to 13, and AM to 14 so the whole backline was reorganised. The Bok defence was not good today, and it might have been the result of so many players out of position.
6. Backline attack of Boks
They actually played very well today once Willemse moved to 12,
and could have gotten more tries.
Having Willemse and Willie Leroux brings a better passing game to the Boks. However, the plan did not back the attack game enough, with box kicks being overused.
Some players were good, but others are out of form.
15. Willemse - 8/10 better at centre. He needs to remain at 12.
Willemse moved to 12, where many of us want to see him play- and he had a good game. He is a better option than Delande, far more unpredictable with better playmaking ability to involve his outside backs. Like Willie Leroux, he gives the Bok attack another gear with his long passes.
I would rather start with Willemse at 12, so he can combine with AM.
14. Jessica Kriel - 1/10 Useless. Missed the tackle that led to 1st The All Black winger try. Then was Ko-od on the 2nd tackle, on the very same player. He got run over and didn't get the bus number plate.
When Jessie Kriel partially redeemed himself by getting knocked out, it was a chance to get a better player on the pitch. He is not a test standard winger. It is debatable if he is still a test standard player.
13. AM 9/10 Exceptional. He got more involved in the game with Willemse at 12.
A backup centre needs to be found before the world cup, and it is not Jessica.
12. Delande. 5/10
Poor defence. On attack, he actually looked better in the outside centre position where he had a bit more space. Although rather have AM and Willemse as the centre combination which gives the Backline more attacking options.
11. Mapimpi - 8/10
Was unlucky to not score more. He is fast, and when he has backline players that can pass into space he is lethal.
10. Pollard 5/10
He is looking stale at 10. Does not get his backline running, relies on a 2nd receiver to do this.
His form is concerning. Not bad, but nowhere his best.
9. Hendrikse 6.5/10
Solid game. Some of his kicks could have been a bit better, but solid overall.
8. Vermuelen 3/10
Way of the pace. Either he is over the hill, or he just needs to regain form after game time.
7. Steph DuToit - 4/10
Not back in form yet,
6. Kolisi - 4/10
Did he play?
5. Lomp 6.5/10
Solid
4. Eztebeth 7/10
Usual good game.
3. Malherbe 7/10
solid
2. Dweeb 2/10
Poor lineout throwing. Not very involved, and lasted 30 minutes before Marx replaced him. Looked a bit fat running around.
Marx 7/10
Was good, but should have started. His involvement at the ruck is needed.
1. OX 6/10
Average at best, his replacement bested him. Ruined a very promising attacking movement allowing Whitelock to rip the ball out of his arms on the drive.
