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Questionable Springboks tactics

Springboks prop Gurthro Steenkamp concisely depicted why the world champions were comprehensively outplayed 32-12 at Eden Park.

Monday, 12 July 2010

Sportal.co.nz

Springboks prop Gurthro Steenkamp concisely depicted why the world champions were comprehensively outplayed 32-12 at Eden Park.

"Our forwards were always going backwards," the 124kg imposing figure said.

Rugby can be a complicated beast in the professional era with video analysis, technical coaches and constant emphasis on man-management. But the fundamentals have not changed.

If you do not gain parity upfront, or you are dominated as the Springboks were on Saturday – you never stand a chance.

Because the defending Tri Nations champions had no control over the set-piece, they were unable to control the speed of the All Blacks attack which meant their big men were sucking for air early in the match.

"The whole game was not up to our standards," Steenkamp said.

"We defended a lot. We felt they got a lot of quick ball, which helped them get on the front foot and dominate the gain line. We could have slowed their ball down better."

The Bulls front-rower felt Bakkies Botha being sin-binned for a professional foul was a crucial moment that left the Boks vulnerable at scrum-time. It gave New Zealand a disproportionate advantage in the pack.

With the front eight backpedalling, South Africa's backs were forced to live off a measly 34-percent possession, which they persisted in  kicking away.

Fullback Zane Kirchner defended the up-and-under tactics that saw the Boks dominate world rugby in 2009.

He said the bombs were ill-directed and the chasers were not committed or quick enough.

But South Africa failed to realise the rugby landscape has changed with the interpretations favouring quick, free-flowing rugby. If the visitors are to nullify New Zealand's potent counter-attacking threats they need to adapt fast.

Kirchner highlighted 30 missed tackles, three by himself, as a focal point that must be rectified in the lead up to the second Test in Wellington – one South Africa feels it must win if it is to secure its first successive Tri Nations titles.

"We were there with our body, but the mind wasn't," Kirchner said.

Steenkamp said there would be a lot of self-reflection and he expected a more determined approach in the capital this weekend.

"Each guy needs to look at himself and be critical of where he can improve and see where he did not dominate," Steenkamp said. "We won't be hurting. We are disappointed, but a new Test match awaits us and we'll be confident."

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