Former Springboks coach, Nick Mallett, didn't mince words about the Springboks' disastrous second-half performance against the Wallabies in the recent Rugby Championship match at Ellis Park. The Boks, who initially led 22-0, ended up losing 38-22 in what Mallett described as the worst half of rugby under coach Rassie Erasmus.
Mallett shared his dismay on the Talking Boks podcast, recounting how the Boks began with explosive momentum, which quickly dissipated as the game progressed. "The Boks started absolutely on fire, running from their own 22, and scored a lovely try in the corner. At that stage it didn’t look like Australia could get their hands on the ball, let alone put together a decent attack," Mallett recalled. However, the dynamic shifted drastically as the Boks failed to capitalize on their chances, leading to a series of game-changing errors.
"But momentum is an incredible thing in rugby. When you don’t take your opportunities – when you get held up over the line, knock on at a critical moment, or get turned over after several phases – it lifts the opposition."
Mallett pointed out the pivotal role of the halfback duo, Grant Williams and Manie Libbok, criticizing their inability to steer the game during crucial moments. "Our halfbacks never managed the game. Nine and 10 have to control a game, and they’ve got to sense when the game is moving in a certain direction," he said, highlighting the lack of tactical flexibility in Libbok's play when the pace slowed down.
The former coach lamented the team's choice to engage in a fast-paced, wide-passing game, which played right into the hands of the Wallabies. "This was a game crying out for more game management – kicking into corners, mixing in the driving maul, keeping Australia guessing. Instead we played into their hands," Mallett expressed his frustration.
The loss was a significant blow to the Boks' standings, stripping them of their No. 1 ranking. Mallett emphasized the need for a balanced strategy that marries the Boks' traditional strengths with the attacking nuances introduced by Tony Brown. Looking ahead, he remains hopeful for a rebound in Cape Town, stressing the importance of a win against New Zealand to keep their Rugby Championship hopes alive.
"I’m sure Rassie was as shocked as anyone by that second half. He’ll bring them back to what they’re good at, and I expect a strong response in Cape Town."
With a tone of urgency, Mallett concluded, "After this loss, if we want to win the Rugby Championship, we'll probably need to beat New Zealand at least once, if not twice, in their own backyard."
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Former Springboks coach, Nick Mallett, didn't mince words about the Springboks' disastrous second-half performance against the Wallabies in the recent Rugby Championship match at Ellis Park. The Boks, who initially led 22-0, ended up losing 38-22 in what Mallett described as the worst half of rugby under coach Rassie Erasmus.
Mallett shared his dismay on the Talking Boks podcast, recounting how the Boks began with explosive momentum, which quickly dissipated as the game progressed. "The Boks started absolutely on fire, running from their own 22, and scored a lovely try in the corner. At that stage it didn’t look like Australia could get their hands on the ball, let alone put together a decent attack," Mallett recalled. However, the dynamic shifted drastically as the Boks failed to capitalize on their chances, leading to a series of game-changing errors.
"But momentum is an incredible thing in rugby. When you don’t take your opportunities – when you get held up over the line, knock on at a critical moment, or get turned over after several phases – it lifts the opposition."
Mallett pointed out the pivotal role of the halfback duo, Grant Williams and Manie Libbok, criticizing their inability to steer the game during crucial moments. "Our halfbacks never managed the game. Nine and 10 have to control a game, and they’ve got to sense when the game is moving in a certain direction," he said, highlighting the lack of tactical flexibility in Libbok's play when the pace slowed down.
The former coach lamented the team's choice to engage in a fast-paced, wide-passing game, which played right into the hands of the Wallabies. "This was a game crying out for more game management – kicking into corners, mixing in the driving maul, keeping Australia guessing. Instead we played into their hands," Mallett expressed his frustration.
The loss was a significant blow to the Boks' standings, stripping them of their No. 1 ranking. Mallett emphasized the need for a balanced strategy that marries the Boks' traditional strengths with the attacking nuances introduced by Tony Brown. Looking ahead, he remains hopeful for a rebound in Cape Town, stressing the importance of a win against New Zealand to keep their Rugby Championship hopes alive.
"I’m sure Rassie was as shocked as anyone by that second half. He’ll bring them back to what they’re good at, and I expect a strong response in Cape Town."
With a tone of urgency, Mallett concluded, "After this loss, if we want to win the Rugby Championship, we'll probably need to beat New Zealand at least once, if not twice, in their own backyard."