When the Springboks charged out with a rapid 22-0 lead against the Wallabies, thanks to tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen, and Siya Kolisi, fans might have expected a rout in Johannesburg. However, the tables turned dramatically as the Springboks suffered a stunning 38-22 collapse in the Rugby Championship's opening round.
Former All Black Jeff Wilson expressed his astonishment on Sky Sports NZ's Breakdown show at the South African squad's unexpected dip in performance as the game progressed. "You two mentioned last week that you thought the Springboks could be underdone after their matches against Italy and Georgia," Wilson remarked. The team's fatigue was evident in the latter half, with players visibly struggling, a rare sight for a team known for its relentless intensity.
"Well, they were the team who were chasing shadows by the end of that game."
The issues were compounded by tactical errors and key injuries, including the loss of Siya Kolisi, which disrupted their usual game strategy. "Siya Kolisi was playing at number eight. He gets injured, they didn't have their traditional 6-2 split – no Bomb Squad to come on – and they looked gassed in the second half," Wilson added.
Despite the shock defeat, Wilson believes the Springboks will rebound. "To me, they will learn really quickly; they have got a DNA, but those conditions hurt them," he said, hinting at a potential resurgence when the team tours New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies' performance was a stark contrast, with James O'Connor and Nic White masterfully controlling the game. Justin Marshall lauded O'Connor's pivotal role: "It was incredible for him to be able to turn back the clock and go out there and do what he did." O'Connor's strategic adjustments and precise passing played a crucial role in dissecting the Springboks' defense.
"Because of his experience, he knew where they were going to try and shut them down, and he was the architect of finding the space that the Springboks allow you – if you can get around that blitz."
As the Rugby Championship progresses, the Springboks will aim to recalibrate and address the shortcomings exposed in this unexpected defeat, while the Wallabies look to build on their commanding performance.