The Springboks Rugby World Cup challenge is in tatters after they lost 34 – 32 to Japan at the Brighton Community Stadium and they only have themselves to blame.
While the narrow field suited the Brave Blossoms fast ruck to ruck style of play, helping them to easily close the Springboks down and referee Jerome Garces once again having a dismal day with the whistle, the Springboks paid the price for their impatience and a poor tackling display, falling off far too many tackle and not bringing much in attacking intent to the game.
Ruan Pienaar’s clearance of the ball at both scrums and rucks was woefully slow, not allowing the Springbok backline or one off forward runners to push back the defensive line. The introduction of Fourie du Preez later in the game certainly did bring more snap to the backline, but it was too late as Japan were well in the game by then.
The Springboks performance was notable for the lack of pace on attack or variety in terms of trying to beat the Japanese rushed defence by kicking in the space behind the defensive line or grubber kicks to turn them around. Patrick Lambie’s lack of ideas in this department will probably cost him his starting spot going forward. As the Springbok attack started to struggle, he started standing deeper and deeper, meaning he was not a threat on attack himself. This played in Japanese Head Coach Eddie Jones game plan, allowing his defenders to use their pace to chase down and close out any Springbok attack.
The Japanese running intent was also rewarded with the Springboks falling off many first time tackles. Pillar defense around rucks was also questionable, allowing the Japanese to start many forays by first sniping around the rucks.It was also surprising to see how often the Springbok scrum wilted under pressure from Japan. The much respected Springbok front row of Jannie and Bismark du Pless and Tendai Mtawarira were made to look very ordinary and to be fair outclassed.
In the overall performance, players who have been maligned because of their age, such as Bryan Habana and Victor Matfield, stood out. It was some of the younger players who seemed flat and one dimensional. The exception to this was lock Lood de Jager, who once again played his heart out.
It is an unfortunate truth for this Springbok team that despite their big names and impressive pedigree, they are the only group of tier one Test players to have losses to Wales, Argentina and now Japan on their CV and there are now huge question marks over the reputations of many of these players. It has long been rumoured that Head Coach Heyneke will be given an extention to his contract, but this loss may just be a step too far for those in the boardroom at the South African Rugby Football Union.
To balance out my comments, I believe the correct thing to do would be laud the Japanese for their fantastic display. It is my considered opinion that they beat the Springboks for one reason only. Passion. They arrived at this game with no expectation other than to play the game to the best of their ability and to do themselves and their nation proud. The Springboks did not have the same mindset and paid a heavy price.
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