At times the game was a stop start affair although the intensity of the collisions and the determination to cross the gain line enthralled the crowd and occasional half-breaks ignited passion.
When the first South African scrum drove the All Blacks back it looked like the game would be over very quickly. However, to the All Blacks’ credit they regrouped quickly and were the more dominant team in the first half, especially at the tackle contest. Technically the All Blacks looked the more complete team, but this is a South African squad full of winning belief.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has a wealth of young talent coming through and consequently they are expanding their playing style with players looking to avoid contact and offload the ball, which keeps the team going forward.
The All Blacks’ inability to score a try despite possession and field position will be a serious topic of concern for their coaches. Code Taylor had an outstanding first half and carried the All Black attack, but the final try scoring pass eluded them. In tight games in your opponents red zone, you must make positive decisions that lead to tries. Make a mistake and the defence takes over.
Under pressure, especially after half-time, the All Blacks’ discipline also let them down.
All Blacks supporters would also be right to ask why the world’s current best player Beauden Barrett was sitting on the bench.
CAPITULATION
Meanwhile, Australia endured a complete and utter capitulation as they were hammered by Argentina 67 to 27 in Santa Fe to suffer their greatest ever Test defeat.
The Wallabies actually led 20 points to 3 and went in at half-time leading 20 -17. However, what followed was a complete physical and mental break down, which was both embarrassing and humiliating. The Wallabies were brushed aside by an Argentinian team who played rugby in its purest form, with simple, accurate passing and fine support.
There are rumours that New Zealand and South African rugby authorities want to reduce the Rugby Championship to a biennial affair and instead revert back to tours and tests. Australia’s performance on Saturday will have no doubt have strengthened that argument.
I mentioned previously that too many cooks spoil the broth in relation to the size of coaching departments. This is rugby union, not American football. It is a game of fluency and skilful execution. Will there be a fall out? You bet, because Australia cannot afford to lose supporters and sponsors. Another performance like this and decisions will be made that do not include Australia.
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.