Last week it seemed Ireland and Scotland were ready for prime time. There was even talk of Ireland winning in NZ. I’m afraid that’s all pie in the sky. Ireland vs France was an exciting contest, but filled with so many amateurish moments.
The first French try was an embarrassment for the Irish defence. But Hansen’s try, cool as it was, shouldn’t happen against a well drilled school boy team.
Then there were the lineouts….a lottery. A well drilled Bok lineout would have had 4 against the throw against that lot.
The Wallies/Scotland were likewise error ridden. In fact Scotland were the better team…5 clean breaks to 1 by Wales…25 defenders beaten to 13 by Wales.
But 13 penalties to 8 by Wales and a bad yellow card by Russell who had one of his typically erratic performances hurt the Scots. Duhan also spilled 2 balls in the last few minutes which didn’t help the cause.
Overall these teams all contrived to beat themselves, something the Boks would thrive on. And I’m hard pressed to believe the current Bok scrum wouldn’t dominate these teams producing a stream of penalties and …ugh ….. try scoring mauls.
Still it was noticeable again how much less aimless box kicking there was. There were some clever backline movements. And Tuipulotu with his 3 defenders beaten and clean break gives Scotland some midfield potency they have lacked.
But the French, even though they have the best talent, are a long way from WC winners. Ireland is still Ireland and the other two sides may produce a surprise or two, but are not serious contenders for next year.
With bumbling NH teams and a fading NZ, Harrassmiss may just stampkar and box kick the Boks to another WC.
