With Smith you mean Williams? I already highlighted after last week's game that Arendse in particular was losing every battle under the high ball. It was no different this week. Like taking candy from a baby for Osborne, who was brilliant in that department. Pointless putting up even contestable kicks when your players don't have the skill to compete.
18,428 posts
After having some time to reflect on the loss, the box kicks are where the Boks conceded the game in the first half.
A good box kick has distance and height that gains territory while making it contestable.
Then it's a 50/50 in the opposition half, an error by the opposition is a scrum or penalty in a scoreable position.
At the very least a box kick must be high so it is contestable.
Faff has always been erratic with box kicks. It is such a critical part of the Rassies game plan. South Africa in general uses their scrumhalf to kick more than other teams.
Had Smith started the Boks would probably not have slipped so far in the first half.
Pollard too has never been a consistent box kicker - but he has never been as bad as what Faff is.
On his day, Faff has a good box kick - but he is far too inconsistent.
The grubber 5m from his line with an overlap was the Boks best scoring chance