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Rassie Erasmus came as a breath of fresh air and was graciously hailed the new messiah of Springbok rugby.
Upon his arrival, the former Cheetahs coach was adamant of blending the sensitive issue of transformation with experienced and young players into a mixture of revived ramping Boks.
But instead, we’re stuck with the same old bumbling team we’ve seen in recent years.
Admittedly, this year, South Africa have been playing a more adventurous blend of rugby, but we keep the ball in hand at the most cretaceous times.
Kicking is unattractive, but when executed well, especially on attack, it can be most advantageous. We have been led on a rouse of a “dominant Springbok forward pack”, which seemingly was demonstrated during the June International window against England and against Argentina in Durban last week.
This illusion of an improved Springbok squad and game-plan was squashed in Mendoza on Saturday night.
The forwards combination could not gel and were outmuscled by a settled Argentine pack. The Springboks centre pairing of Lukhanyo Am and Andre Esterhuizen were out of sync and not penetrative on attack or defence either.
When Lionel Mapoe came on to replace Makazole Mapimpi, Erasmus may as well employed a life-sized cardboard cut-out on that right wing.
Handre Pollard needs to be replaced, but not by Elton Jantjies. Patrick Lambie should be called up with the young and talented Curwin Bosch as his cover.
South Africa need capable flyhalves who can actually convert tries and penalties. The only players who should be brought on the Australasian tour are Willie le Roux, Aphiwe Dyanti, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Siya Kolisi, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Steven Kitshoff. The rest of the squad could be made up of ball-boys, ex-pat South Africans or whoever is at the stadium at the time.
In the past, I would make ridiculous predictions, but it’ll be no stretch to say the All Blacks have this year’s Rugby Championships in the bag. South Africa should beat Australia at home but not away, whereas trying not to lose scoreless to New Zealand should be South Africa’s main goal.
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.