A tense match in Bloemfontein saw the Springboks versus England Test series being won by the Springboks with a game to play.
Springboks versus England
The Springboks won 23 to 12 and give Test centurion Beast Mtawarira the result that suited the occasion.
South Africa 23 England 12
Scorers:
South Africa – Tries: Duane Vermeuelen; Penalty try Conversion: Handre Pollard Penalties: Pollard 3
England – Tries: Mike Brown and Jonny May Conversion: Owen Farrell
We take a look at a few key thoughts coming out of this Test.
Springbok defense is still a work in progress
Defensively, the Springboks have for the second game in a row started very poorly. The back line is guilty of pressing in field too soon, creating space on the outside. This is not an issue of players not being able to make tackles, but rather being in the correct position to make a tackle. They tightened up on defense after a poor start and kept the English scoreless after the 12 minute.
The kick and chase game is still an option
Many fans detest the kick and chase, but done efficiently it remains a potent weapon. With Faf de Klerk taking the responsibility of launching the high ball from the scrumhalf position as opposed to Handre Pollard at flyhalf, the Springbok wingers had a running start from depth and placed the England back three under a lot of pressure.
Improved intensity
This squad has shown a huge improvement in intensity of play when compared to what was on display in the Coetzee era. Simple indicators are the willingness to counter ruck or clear out the ruck area, which in 2017 appeared to be mechanical as opposed to wanting to compete for possession. There is much more creativity with ball in hand and spreading the ball to two exciting wingers is a real option for this Springbok team.
The Springboks have missed Thor
Duane Vermeulen was probably only shaded by Faf de Klerk in the first Test. In the Bloemfontein Test, Vermeulen was the standout Springbok player and was deservedly the Man of the Match. He was a real presence both on attack and defense. Throw into that the leadership he offers within the squad and it becomes obvious that the Springboks have really missed Vermeulen during his years in France.
Improved scrum
The England scrum has the Springbok pack under pressure in Johannesburg. There were ominous signs when the Springboks conceded a penalty at the first scrum, but after that shaky start the Springbok scrum improved throughout the game eventually become dominant. The penalty try awarded to the Springboks was the direct result of continued pressure at scrum time and the England pack eventually collapsing under the pressure to prevent a push over try. Forwards coach Mathew Proudfoot would be…. well, very proud.
Changes in store
Now that the series has been clinched, Erasmus has indicated that he will be making experimental changes to his team. The squad announcement on Thursday will be keenly anticipated. Last Word on Rugby predicts that Erasmus is most likely to rest or bench the players that are not available for The Rugby Championship. Expect Willie le Roux to on the bench, with Warrick Gelant starting at fullback. We might see Ivan van Zyl starting at scrumhalf, with Faf de Klerk either on the bench or rested completely. How much is Erasmus prepared to gamble is the real question.
