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It’s been a hard few weeks as a Springbok fan. Hell can be the only way to describe the last three weeks for the not-so-long-ago, high flying Boks. Three consecutive losses at the hands of the All Blacks and Wallabies have left the Tri Nations defence in a near impossible state.
Humble pie, with extra serving of reality.
Many Springbok fans, myself included, had high hopes for the Boks of 2010.
After the Eden Park disaster, we thought it was just a bad day, perhaps some jet lag. Then we flew to Wellington where we improved, but ultimately failed. We thought, hey, the ref was shocking and bias possibly cost us the game.
No need to panic.
Off to Brisbane on a very pleasant evening in great conditions. Here is our chance, we thought. But it was not to be. Again in the opening minutes we saw a Springbok sent off the field (admittedly, for stupid play from who someone who is otherwise a great player).
I was at Suncorp and my heart sank when I saw the yellow card hoisted into the air for the third time this Tri Nations. I knew from that moment we were in for another long 80 minutes of rugby.
Although the Springboks and Wallabies scored two tries apiece, discipline let the ‘Boks down, as it has in all three games thus far.
So what went so badly wrong? Selection, for mine, was the biggest concern.
Wynand Olivier; He not cut out for international rugby, simple as that. Why he was selected, I will never understand. He was an absent figure in all three Tests. He made no impact and was often caught out on defence, particularly against the All Blacks as Ma’a Nonu ran amuck.
Ricky Janurie; Played abysmally in the opening two Test matches and should never have been considered for Springbok selection, especially when he is not even good enough to make his provincial side. To say he was bad is an absolute understatement.
Zane Kirchner; Although he did not play particularly badly, he had little impact on any of the three games. Francois Steyn is a far better option in the 15 jersey as he brings the massive bonus of a huge boot, which has proven vital to Springbok success in recent seasons – most notably his 60m effort in Hamilton against the All Blacks last year and the 50m effort in the World Cup final against England.
Jean De Villiers; I have a bright idea, let’s play the best inside centre in the world on the wing! This selection is one many people simply cannot understand. Gio Aplon is so obviously the best choice for the 14 jersey, yet Peter De Villiers decides to move the world’s best inside centre to wing and South Africa’s best wing (with the exception of Bryan Habana, of course) gets left on the bench.
Decisions like these are what cost the Springboks any chance of being successful in this year Tri Nation’s campaign, made worse by the ill discipline and poor refereeing. (It was bad. Like it or not)
Where to now? Well, with a miracle of sorts needed to keep the Tri Nations trophy in South Africa, the Springboks have only pride to play for.
Not all is lost, though.
The World Cup looms and these losses might be exactly what the doctor ordered for another successful World Cup campaign.
Just for one moment, let us think back to 2006. The All Blacks were flying high and the Wallabies taught the ‘Boks a lesson at Suncorp winning 49 – 0. So we can take a little comfort in that.
Now it is time to look ahead.
The Wallabies take on the All Blacks this week in Melbourne and it will be nice to watch a game without my blood pressure going through the roof every time I hear the whistle and an Irish accent.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.