We saw Kaplans cricism of the hapless kiw ref Walsh robbing the Boks of some 20 points. Brendon Veneter wrining in Supersport notes the final result was not a true reflection of the test
The Springboks bounced back brilliantly against England at Twickenham and, in my opinion, the final result was not a true reflection of the test.
Indeed, had it not been for Victor Matfield’s sin-binning and the 14 points the hosts registered while he was off the field (Both tries follwed unpenalised infringments), I believe it would have been an annihilation.(What about Walsh not carding Enhglanmd for a rolling maul infringment - as noted by Kaplan
I’ve often written about the need to find balance between running and kicking. In my book, every team possesses its own unique balance, owing to the playing personnel available.
Against Ireland, the Springboks got carried away with a ball-in-hand approach and tried too hard to be something that they are not.(Unforced errors cost the Boks)
In contrast, against England they returned to their old recipe and attained positive results.
While the Boks will experience a few blips in terms of identity along the way, the best thing about them is that they’re able to acknowledge when they make mistakes. I personally admire Heyneke Meyer for the way in which he readjusts the balance when necessary.
The halfback pairing of Cobus Reinach and Pat Lambie deserve credit for their respective performances against Stuart Lancaster’s charges.
The criticism aimed at Reinach in the past has pertained to his core skills. However, on the back of Saturday’s assured display, it can be said that when a talented player stays in the system long enough, his core skills – kicking out of hand and passing – improve exponentially.
A lot was also said about Lambie’s game prior to the test but the drop kick he slotted in the second stanza was so classy and ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. That scenario is exactly what I mean when I talk of effective game management.
It proves that the above example of game management is not a one-off occasion but rather about a flyhalf growing in confidence. I believe, the more senior the flyhalf the better his game management. Naas Botha would be the first to admit that you play on instinct as a young player but as you get older and more experienced, you play with more of a plan.
I’m of the view that Heyneke will be happy with the flyhalf depth currently at his disposal. With an eye on next year’s World Cup, his argument will be that he will pick his in-form flyhalf.
Handré Pollard remains a brilliant rugby player and will play for South Africa for a long time to come but if we can head into the World Cup with both tens available, what a blessing.
As a coach, it’s about assuring both of the players that they are in your plans going forward.
Regarding the test against Italy this Saturday, while the hosts are set to employ negative tactics, the Boks should still dominate and focus their attention on playing proper rugby.
My rugby rant of the week revolves around the current standard of topflight refereeing.
Genuinely now, somebody needs to stand up and take responsibility for all these poor calls, as it simply cannot continue to occur week-in and week-out at the highest level.
(Disgraceful kiwi refs like Walsh should get the boot.
I believe it has reached a tipping point where the IRB must now look for a new breed of referees, because the current modus operandi is clearly not working or serving the game. (AGREED ITS MOSTLY JUST SERVING THE BENT KIWIS!!!)
The time for talk is over. The powers that be must show coaches that there are consequences for poor refereeing performance, even if it means trying new personnel on a weekly basis.
As far as Steve Walsh is concerned, it never looks like he is in control of the situation. When I watch him on the field, he appears rattled and unsure of himself, and that’s a big problem.
While match officials are only human and will make mistakes from time to time, it’s imperative to get the critical calls right. Unfortunately, that was not the case on Saturday.
The Bryan Habana touchline incident over the weekend, where the ball was blatantly out on the full, serves as a fitting case in point… That passage of play led to England’s second try.
When you are calm as a referee, it’s easy to double check with the TMO in those instances.
Has the time come for a captain’s challenge in rugby? (YES YES YES!)
If you are a clueless kbb you will think well we beat England by 3 points (inoring the non try by th e crude) and so did the Boks. No account is taken of the effect on points by bad ref decisions.
AND HENCE THE FABRICATED AB TEST RECORD!
Beeno telling it like it is.
