South African coach Jacques Nienaber was brutally honest as he surveyed the wreckage of a second straight loss to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.
While pressure is sure to intensify on him in the wake of the 30-17 defeat, he was in no mood to hide.
Asked what disappointed him the most, Nienaber replied: “Everything. We were really beaten. Every department. We got hands down beaten in everything. Defence, kicking game, attack.”
Asked by South African media how the World Champions had been so comprehensively outplayed by Dave Rennie’s resurgent Australians, Nienaber was at a loss to explain it.
“That is that something we will have to figure out in the next week,” Nienaber said.
“We will have to figure it out quickly. I can’t put my finger on it.”
The Springboks don’t have the luxury of time to get their game right. Next up are two matches against their great rivals, the All Blacks. Next week’s clash between them is their landmark 100th Test.
(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Based on Saturday’s dismal showing a humiliation that would leave a proud nation seething can’t be ruled out.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge, which is not positive,” Nienaber said. “But it’s nice to play against our SANZAAR brothers again, you know, you get tested differently.
“And for us, it’s a big eye opener in terms of that. And that that’s how big the challenge will be against New Zealand. It’s going to be a massive challenge.”
He was asked if the coaching staff had prepared adequately to counter the Australian game plan.
“It didn’t look like it. But we did,” said Nienaber. “And obviously we as coaches we will have to have a look at it. Obviously we didn’t get it right.”
He was full of praise for the victors and how they had changed things up after being whacked by New Zealand.
“I think they’re well balanced side. They’ve got a bigger focus, I would say, on exiting and not over playing.
“I think against New Zealand they maybe did overplay, they conceded four intercept tries. They played a lot more territory.
“They were brilliant tonight. This is probably our worst performance since Argentina 2018.”
Nienaber was asked what he would say to Boks fans.
“Oh, sorry. That’s all we can say we can say is we apologise. This is not a performance that I would say was worthy enough for the Springbok jersey.
“We can just sincerely apologise, from everybody. This was a very poor performance.”
Nienaber was asked if he was committed to South Africa’s low possession high kicking tactics.
“I think definitely from a defensive viewpoint we need to change changes do do things better, you know. I think the last time we consider four tries was against New Zealand in 2018. This is not something that we are normally used to.
“Our one on one defence today was poor. We missed too many tackles.”
Nobody
Roar Rookie
Hmm, I thought that him saying the Wallabies were brilliant didn't sound particularly disrespectful. But you're right, I didn't see it.
Big A
Roar Rookie
yeh but if you watch the presser after both games - Niembar is mostly on about how poorly they played and only occasionally does he wrap the WB's
Nobody
Roar Rookie
where’s all SA can say is how poorly they played Perhaps you should read the article again. He was full of praise for the victors “They were brilliant tonight.
John
Good assessment Peter, thanks
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
He played poorly yesterday though. Was part of the problem
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
And it’s always been there as an option. With the rules as they were and the quality of players able to implement Rassie’s plan, the Boks had it right though. Standing still in thought and regressing physically by losing players to injury, wasn’t a good combination though.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
The backrow clash was a non event - we won it hands down. Not an obvious outcome on paper but it’s not simple to just become a blindside from a hard working lock, find your best form after an injury lay off (in your career twilight) and perhaps be playing out of position. Maybe the backrow is an area the Boks might consider change? Van Starden to open side, Kolisi to blind, Thor at 8 and Mostert to the bench? I’d also start Reinach against the ABs. Play off 9 less and ask more of Pollard
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I agree wholeheartedly Peter. He is a brilliant bench option with his ability to break open games and cover all spots. Our starting backrow has been chosen to allow Hooper to be at his best and we are seeing Valentini and Swinton at their best too. It’s been at least 10 years, maybe 20, since we got the balance of our backrow just right. The good news is that Naisarani can replace Valentini in a similar role if required and McMahon can come in for Swinton (albeit not quite so much like for like). Not sure what that means for the young Qld backrow except that they may need to wait a little while and, in some cases, add to their skills or physical make up.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Reasonable assumption. I obviously was when I concocted the name but moved to London 6 years ago. Took an SA wife, kid and my Roar name with me
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Tts, You can't ignore the messaging of your leadership no matter what they tell you in private. What your leaders say is what the culture is, I don't think it's possible to separate it, the group begins to align with that.
Rod Tye
Guest
I'm 60 yo and watched rugby union all my life advid all black fan since birth have to say I've never since the springboks play so badly dropped balls , defence this is not a side that looks like it's won a world cup, but not taking anything away from the wallabies who on the other hand where sensational backing up their man passes kicking running play look out world the Aussies are back and with a couch that could of been picked for the all blacks he's got them humming just like the chiefs side he took to two winning premierships they never gave him enough recognition for and he'll prove them wrong I'm sure this couch ladies and gentlemen is a good one make no mistake the wallabies will rattle the next world cup for sure !!
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
MK..I think this coming week will be an opportunity for you and some other all black roarers to go against what your heart and mind says and bet on the boklings to win but less than 7 points..you will score big dollars this time :stoked: :thumbup:
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
JS...since defence is nienaber speciality..surely you need to evolve it given teams will get used it and only a matter of time before teams will break it down..but I understand you can fall into the trap by feeling "safe" if teams have struggle for a number of years.
Cam
Roar Rookie
Finally, the Wallabies were very accurate at the breakdown and allowed the Boks little chance to disrupt their attack. It has been a key aspect of their game missing the past decade or two. Also very pleasing to have a ref who will not whistle a penalty when the defending player locks onto the tackled player (instead of the ball). Now if only the TMO will just stay in their box and speak only when spoken to...
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Ozinsa..I thought this entire time you are staying in SA..
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Err. For a start I live in London and then I simply observed that Argentina were outstanding last year away from home when forced to isolate. I think you need to ease up on the angry pills and maybe acknowledge an alternative view
PeterK
Roar Guru
better option than Wilson on the bench, better in the lineout, covers all 3 back row positions. Good value, but best off bench at the end when the game opens up since he plays loose out wider.
Martyb
Guest
Maybe they need a new water boy who doesn’t carry water
John
Peter, we chatted earlier in the year re omission of Pete Samu. Your thoughts on his introduction and value to the team?
John
Guest
Last week the Boks made a lot of mistakes, missed 10 conversion points and only lost by one point. This week they made very very few mistakes, played to their strengths, kept the Wallabies bottled in their half, were patient and took the threes, and played perfectly to their game plan in the first 1/2, but the first ten after half time was then it changed and they made more mistakes as they became tired and flustered. The Wallabies defence was solid and they have some players with real presence of mind particularly Kelleway and Ikatau. But it was the Wallabies rolling maul defence that was the biggest influence. And good coaching.