In a pulsating test match and the All Blacks ahead by 10 points at one stage, the South Africans deployed their replacement forwards, otherwise known as the “bomb squad”, to bring fresh power and energy. Technically very competent, their impact is immediate and demonstrates the Springboks now have two packs of forwards of equal status.
This was a fixture played for the Freedom Cup at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, a hostile environment. However, since the game went professional it is 4 wins each at Ellis Park so the All Blacks weren’t too phased. Indeed, their play in the first half was fluid and they led 12-11 at the break.
Then the Bomb squad came on, the forward battle intensified and the Boks edged ahead, roared on by a fanatical crowd to secure the win.
Despite the loss, the All Blacks can take heart from the quality of their passing and back play and that they blooded several youngsters, as did the Springboks. The teams go again tomorrow (Sept 7) in Cape Town.
Small moments will continue to separate these two teams. Let’s hope we don’t have a repetition of South Africa being awarded a try last Saturday that clearly was a knock on - the world saw it, but not the TMO.
Meanwhile, a continent away, Argentina lined up against Australia in atrocious weather conditions last Saturday. Los Pumas can deliver stand-out performances that makes the rugby world take note, such as their recent win against the All Blacks, but it is all too infrequent.
The Wallabies are a pale shadow of themselves, with try-scoring and ill discipline both major concerns as they continue to deliver mundane rather creative performances of late. Perhaps it is time to say goodbye to Koroibete. He gives too many penalties away and I don’t think he is fully aligned with the laws.
The Wallabies are trying hard in defence which creates some turn-over ball, but there are no certainties after that. Saturday was another example of this as the Wallabies’ work ethic did frustrate Argentina and contribute to a close 20-19 win. Australia needs quick ball to ignite some quality back play. Getting the forwards to create front foot-ball is a short-term goal, then they might see some development.
We could easily see a reversal of fortunes tomorrow when the teams meet again tomorrow.
Turning closer to home and to rugby development here in Asia, last Saturday saw the first 11s rugby tournament held in Da Nang, Vietnam.
A spectacular beach side setting saw some riveting play from a number of sides before The Hanoi Dragons come out on top as overall champions.
More tournaments are in the pipeline, with the Chiang Mai 11s now in its third year taking place on the weekend of Nov 23-24.
This year will see two teams from the famous Gordon rugby Club in Sydney attending, along with an increasing number of girls and ladies teams - if last year’s spectacular tournament is anything to go by, this is a must attend occasion.
For more information please contact Pat Cotter: Phuketpat@gmail.com.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.