BOKS, TJOPS & DOPS: Where did it go wrong for the Springboks?
It’s a question on every rugby fan’s lips – where did it go wrong for the Springboks? The recent 35-20 loss against the All Blacks in Auckland was a bitter end to a five-match winning streak. ALSO READ: Springboks Rugby World Cup: 16 men fighting for EIGHT spots! This in-depth analysis takes a hard look at […]
It’s a question on every rugby fan’s lips – where did it go wrong for the Springboks? The recent 35-20 loss against the All Blacks in Auckland was a bitter end to a five-match winning streak.
ALSO READ: Springboks Rugby World Cup: 16 men fighting for EIGHT spots!
This in-depth analysis takes a hard look at the Springboks’ performance, highlighting areas where improvement is needed ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
THE SLUGGISH START: SPRINGBOKS CAUGHT OFF-GUARD
From the outset, it’s clear that the Springboks were on the back foot. Conceding three quick penalties in the opening minutes, they allowed New Zealand to seize momentum, with early tries scored by Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell. The Boks looked lethargic, failing to match the All Blacks’ intensity from the get-go.
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A QUESTION OF DEPTH
Coach Jacques Nienaber’s decision to split his squad backfired. The largely second-string starting XV lacked cohesion, in stark contrast to the All Blacks’ near full-strength lineup, which boasted over 800 combined caps.
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This gulf in experience and preparation became glaringly evident across the park, especially amongst the Boks’ forwards.
UP IN THE AIR: THE SPRINGBOKS’ AERIAL STRUGGLE
The All Blacks dominated the aerial battle, thanks to an improved kicking game that put the Springboks under pressure.
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Their supremacy in the air allowed them to control possession and territory, exposing South Africa’s vulnerabilities, especially in the absence of injured fullback Willie le Roux.
LATE ADJUSTMENTS:
One key aspect of where it went wrong for the Springboks was the slow response to rectify obvious issues.
Key substitutions like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx were brought in too late to swing the contest in the Boks’ favour. Additionally, the Boks were predictable in attack, failing to vary their tactics.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE: THE SPRINGBOKS’ SECOND HALF FIGHTBACK
Despite their efforts to fight back in the second half through improved physicality and tactics, it was a case of too little, too late for the Boks. The damage was already done, with too much ground to make up against a seasoned All Blacks side.
Despite the disappointment, this match provides important lessons for the Boks ahead of France 2023. The squad depth and ideal combinations are now better understood. The Springboks remain contenders but must address these exposed shortcomings.