On Saturday morning 8th September, 2012, Heyneke Meyer sits in his Perth hotel room pondering the upcoming Rugby Championship match against Australia. He makes the following notes in his personal diary:
Dear Rugby gods,
Please consider my petition. If it be your will, would you encourage the Wallabies to play in this particular fashion, according to this list of rules?
1. Try to out-kick us from their back three and in midfield.
2. Kick when in attack instead of using their best runners with the ball.
3. On that point, only give Digby Ioane the ball one or twice in the first 20minutes.
4. Play a ‘tight’ game that aims to keep the game close initially.
Thank you for hearing my plea.
What’s astonishing about all of these requests – South African fans would agree, they are four things that you’d ask the Wallabies to do if you could – is that the Wallabies played entirely into the Boks’ hands for the entirety of the match.
They seemed happy to attempt kicking further than their Boks counter-parts, weren’t willing to run it back from deep, didn’t get Ioane involved in any meaningful way and were happy to mostly run through one pass from the ruck.
And the Wallabies won!
That’s the remarkable part: the men in gold effectively played away from most of their strengths and won a Test match against a side playing to their own. This goes some way to prove that they do have the requisite passion and desire to perform for their country, after two listless performances against the All Blacks.
The Wallabies certainly did put a lot of effort into their defence, when the ball is near pay dirt most importantly, but they need to work on this pressure in the midfield. If the defence would stiffen across and outside the 22m line, potential turnovers, errors or penalties from the opposition would result in less clearing kicks and more attacking chances.
Holding another Rugby Championship team to a single try is still something these 22 can hang their hats on. Not an easy feat.
That single try confirmed that the Wallabies must become a wall further from their line. The South Africans won a kick chase and had clear ball near the Australian 22m line. From there the Wallabies defence was all over the shop – until the ball was right on the try line. At that point the line of Gold stiffened and it took a very concerted effort from the Boks to get it over the line.
Further study of the Wallabies defence shows they actually missed more tackles than their counter-parts, with a total of 19. They drop off a runner once every 54 seconds of defence; or one-in-five tackle attempts. South Africa only missed 14 tackles.
Adam Ashley-Cooper repeatedly bails the side out on defence. He did so against New Zealand a number of times and in Perth he made a super-human tackle of two attackers at once. He saved an almost certain try scoring opportunity.
Tim Horan wrote an article earlier in the week about how a Test match can be swung on a moment of greatness. The Ashley-Cooper tackle was that moment for the Wallabies this weekend. Make no mistake; this match was that close to a different result.
Ashley-Cooper finally got to play a test at outside centre again, I think is his best position. I hope he gets to stay there for the rest of the year.
He cops a lot of flak, but I think he is exactly the kind of glue player every good side needs. His effort won’t ever be found wanting; chasing kicks and restarts like a demon and making all of his tackles. He is the well rounded version of what Robbie Deans was hoping Rob Horne could become, but hasn’t.
That Ashley-Cooper knows how to run smart attacking lines, almost always gets over the gain line and has a good fend is a bonus.
The utility value that Ashley-Cooper brings is quite remarkable at this level of rugby. I wrote during the live blog, after a great late clearing kick (his first kick of the game from memory), that he was actually a better fullback than Kurtley Beale right now. I haven’t changed my mind since then. Leave him alone at centre for now though.
We do need to give Beale some time to get fit and sort out his head. I would advocate giving Bernard Foley or Luke Morahan a chance back there.
Coming into this match, the Springboks averaged a kick from hand every 35 seconds in 2012. The Wallabies averaged a tactical kick every 49 seconds. During this game both sides drastically lowered those figures.
The Wallabies kicked 42 times (every 23 seconds in possession) and the Springboks kicked it on ‘only’ 38 occasions (every 27 seconds). I’m not sure why, because the Wallabies only enjoyed 36% territory for the match employing this tactic. This indicated they weren’t able to find the free space or kick as far as the Boks, but continued to give away the ball anyway.
Why keep doing something that doesn’t work?
The Wallabies kicked from hand once for every two rucks they formed. I repeat: The Wallabies had 87 rucks/mauls and kicked it away 42 times in the same game.
That is fairly poor from a national team. This wasn’t played in ugly weather; conditions were perfect in Perth.
Ashley-Cooper and Deans both said at the half that they needed to stop kicking the ball away and take it down the field in hand more often. The second half saw little real change.
Kicking this often, especially when it isn’t part of the plan (let’s believe Deans here and ignore the evidence), is a symptom of not trusting team mates.
One of the foundations of rugby is support. That means being available for a pass and being available to help retain possession. The Wallabies are so fractured at this point that they don’t believe they will receive enough support when they run.
Berrick Barnes was the worst perpetrator, because he not only returned kicks with kicks, he was also guilty of kicking the ball away in attacking areas. He is surely just keeping the jersey warm until a better option presents itself.
If he is able to stay fit, Ben Tapuai is eventually the man to eventually play inside centre. For the Reds he has consistently been unable to stay on the field. Hopefully that trend can be arrested. When he played for the Wallabies against Canada last year he seemed to be exactly what our backline needed. He straightened the attack, was explosive and showed offloading ability.
If Tim Horan is indeed our greatest ever inside centre – as most people agree – then Tapuai fits the mould better than Barnes. An inside centre needs to be strong and able to pass competently, but doesn’t necessary have to carry the playmaker tag.
As I said at the top, South Africa had everything go their way to win this match. Why didn’t they?
Meyer prevented them from winning by not delivering the killer blow until it was too late.
In the middle of the second half, the Wallabies were almost out on their feet. I thought it was time for Johan Goosen and Patrick Lambie to enter the game if the Boks wanted to finish the Wallabies off.
Meyer didn’t pull the trigger until Ben Alexander had scored in the 69th minute. Too late.
Once the Wallabies got in front, they were able to repel the fresh green reinforcements just long enough to hold on.
Between them, Goosen and Lambie made 39 running metres from 19 minutes of game time. Contrast that to Morne Steyn and Zane Kirchner who produced 40m across the turf in 145 minutes on the field. That is why South Africa lost this match.
It wasn’t just their own running metres that improved the side either. As soon as Goosen went on his first gallop, Jean de Villiers and Francois Steyn had more room to operate because of the inside threat.
Meyer needs to start Lambie at the back in their next match and bring Goosen on much sooner. That is only if F. Steyn or Goosen are considered too unreliable off the tee to jolt Morne from the starting 15.
(Statistics from www.ruckingoodstats.com and www.rugbystats.com.au )
Sprigs
Guest
The Wallabies say they lost because they were unfit.
Suzy Poison
Guest
Frisky, unfortunately, there won't be no miracle Enrico Januarie chip and chase try, to save us this time. That was when the Boks had decent forwards. Kieren Read is going to run amok, and tear these youngsters apart. Kirchner and Steyen will between them kick away any good possession that Bok forwads struggle to get. Straight down the throat of Israel Dagg. That's our game plan, everyone knows it's dumb, including the Bok players thenmselves. But Meyer will swear, it was the lack of execution after he screams at his walkie talkie until he is blue in the face. I just want to see Goosen get twenty minutes, that's the only silver lining to this dark black cloud.
Johnno
Guest
Biltongbek yes I am like global rugby in general any country interest me in any continent int he world. global rugby is booming everywhere. I used to speak to a lot of south africans on Facebook who i met there , i don't get so much time to do it anymore with work and that but it is fun to chat on the roar here. SO i started to learn a bit about south africa history no expert just a bit plus all the cricket and rugby highlights. Argentina will be the next place to find out more about. Already in subtle ways we are finding out about the culture of argentina which is great. For example of this subtly there was some tango lesson for the all black players. Beautiful women giving tango lessons to the ab's last week in wellington was very good and funny to. And the mendoza match for me was one of the most exciting rugby moments , a whole new cauldron and feel the passion of the argentina fans without he andes looking over was awesome, south american rugby. But south africa loves rugby like you said it is in your psyche and part of culture, and NZ ,wales, and south africa there is something speical about all 3 countries as rugby really feels part of there culture and national image more so than soccer in terms of pride. But south africa rugby interests me and the frustrations im sure are many. To me the most bitter and best rivalry still in rugby is the ab's vs boks. Is great to watch . And so annoying in OZ, the stuff NZ and Sth africa with far more liberal tv coverage of school boy rugby, is so frustrating here in OZ the attitude as it stops rugby brand awareness in OZ. What really interests me is the role south africa has played in helping argentina and the role it does and will play in helping the rest of africa develop. I questioned you about this a while ago and you gave me some good feedback. South africa is doing far more for african rugby than i realised which you told me about which is good to see. Coz long term i think south africa needs or maybe knows they need a strong africa, so continent wise they don't get isolated if the Aussies and kiwis leave SAZNAR, and argentina joint with the Nth and sth america to form americas. Maddagascar, morocco, kenya, zimababwe, really impress me a lot of potential. And nigeria would have loads too they have produced some good players and big country. namibia of course small cutlery but hopefully they get bette.r But botswana and ivory coast uganda coming along a little too and egypt. But hope the big population countries like maddagascar,morocco,nigeria,egypt zimbabwe in 20 years start to give sty africa at 15 a side level a contest. Kenya in 7 a side have rapidly improved , and madagascar to in 15 aside so potential for african rugby to one day give south africa a challenge.
Johnno, we are very fortunate in SA as far as rugby is concerned, our rugby schools have a lot of Rugby Festivals on during school holidays where they invite a number of schools to play during the festival, we also have the Craven week which is televised for the whole week of the tournament, and then of course we get to see the FNB sponsored broadcasts of weekly school rugby. My son played under 9's this year so I am getting more involved watching school rugby at the schools where we travel to as well. The truth is rugby is ingrained in our psyche so will forever remain strong, all the more reason the supporters are so frustrated with our performances over recent years. It is good that you are so interested about SA rugby, I find on international blogs there aren't that many South Africans around, so it is great to not only talk about other teams, but I can express my passion, frustrations and elations with others as well.
Johnno
Guest
No biltongbek good to see I love rugby like you i caught the bug gowing up and wrestled with both it and rugby league now prefer rugby but a lot of my life i preferred rugby league even though i played rugby at high school i used to play junior league up until under 12., But rugby interest it went up a notch since the lions series in 2009 south africa, man what a series that was as was the 1997 series i was only a teenager in 97, i saw highlights from lions series in south africa are awesome so brutal and intense yet attacking and running rugby at the same time total rugby.. I hope Lions series last forever can't wait for next years series in Australia. And also the world cup last year, and now with global rugby world cup and 7evens olympics i think i am stuck with it for life. Grahame Henry says coaching and rugby is like a disease basically nce you get it you are stuck ith it for life. Good recent interview last month with Grahame Henry on tv. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-16/interview-with-sir-graham-henry/4203988 Which leads my to my next question biltongbek , i have a hunch you watch school boy rugby sometimes too. I would love to in Aust, but our private schools here are against it being on tv unlike NZ and Sth Africa which is a shame.
Ivan there are so many at the moment, I have to say though, I am a little disappointed by Jan Serfonetin at the moment, he hasn't shone at the currie cup yet, not sure if it is the gameplan (kick and chase again) but he was so much more effective earlier this season. I must say I quite like the look of raymond Rhule, the boy can bullet. And he isn't small either.
It's my pleasure mate. ;)
malfoy
Guest
Cheers biltongbek and I will keep it in mind and gosh your a good bloke with your pearls of wisdom:)
IvanN
Roar Guru
Dont forget to mention Paul Jordaan, Jan Serfontein, and raymond Rhule. 3 more stars that will play for SA in the next 2 years.
Well they are ranked above us because of the way ranking points are calculated. Simple really, they won the Tri Nations last year and got double points for beating us in the QF. but like I said, enjoy it while it lasts mate, nothing lasts forever.
Johnno, I think he is certainly better than Earl rose ever was, Rose had a knack of doing stupid things, he had no consistency, where as Jantjies are consistent, he has a great offload and a quick accurate pass, his goal kicking is good enough and he has the ability to hit a gap, I reckon his defence is most likely his biggest worry for coaches, but when you look at the team he plays for it isn't going to help his chances. I would like to see him in another setup to really see his potential. There is a new guy that has been playing for the Western Province in the currie Cup, he plays 12, his name is Marcelle Brache, one seriously talented individual, has wonderful ability to read the game and his distribution is very good, we'l most likely see him in the Super rugby next year, he shows promise. I get so excited when I look at what the youngsters are doing in the currie Cup, I just wish we could see them express themselves like that at interntional level. Willie le roux is playing for the Griquas this season and man, he singelhandedly beat the sharks two weekends ago, he would pop up at 9, and 10 even though he was the fullback for the match, a real playmaker. Sorry I am raving on and on here. Jantjies has a younger brother who is playing U21 for the Bulls also fly half, same kicking style etc, they recon he is better than his brother.
malfoy
Guest
Thanks Biltongbek, I will work on it. I do wonder though why the Aussies are ranked above you boys? The Aussies suck against so many nations (England, Scotland, Samoa, Ireland and the All Blacks). Is it a quirk that such a rubbish rugby nation could be thought of by the IRB as a better? Maybe its a mistake? Any thoughts? I believe its been that way for a while?
Johnno
Guest
biltongbek what is your view on elton janties does he have real potential or is he going to be another Earl Rose of south african rugby.
Of course you are, but I would work a little bit on my sublety and diplomacy if I were you. ;)
True mate, at least we only suck against OZ, they suck against Scotland, England, Samoa and NZ. Never mind staying awake at night, that is grounds for some serious therapy, it does work as well. I went for therapy after last years QF exit. I went through all the stages of recovery and now I can call Bruce Lawrence my dearest friend. From a distance of course, its probably not a good idea for him to cross the Indian Ocean just yet, the hurt is now managable, even though still simmering away nicely. ;)
malfoy
Guest
hey I am on your side, I am empathising with you guys losing regularly to such a rubbish team. Look at their record! losing to scotland, samoa and Ireland (and the all blacks regularly). And their super 15 sides should not even be in the competition!! The reds should not have even been in the finals series!! and their own fans even don't like them. Look at the threads above. Their own fans even say they are a second tier rugby nation. But still they beat you boys regularly. It must suck....It would keep me up at night
IvanN
Roar Guru
google translator is not working for you. Biltong, not to forget their record against Scotland, and England too - hell chuck Samoa in there as well.
malfoy
Guest
droog jou oë prinses,
Probably not as much as your record against NZ,eh?
IvanN
Roar Guru
nee seun, dis jou ma se werk daai.