The Shame!
I am sitting here in a state of utter frustration after possibly the most embarrassing performance I have EVER seen from the South African rugby side, the Sprinboks.
49 points to 0!
It would have been bearable had it been an inspired performance from Australia, but really, they only played an average but consistent game. It felt like it was South Africas 5 verse the Australia's 25. From the moment I saw the Boks run onto the field I knew there was something up. They strolled onto the pitch with their heads down as if they were beaten already.
The point at which I knew all was lost was when the South African coach pulled off the only player who did anything for the side, Ndungane. He was the only player during the game that gave the Australians any problems and actually made tackles. I must admit that Du Preez was a breathe of fresh air, saving SA from an even more embarrassing defeat by being there to hold the ball of the ground for 3 'almost' tries.
So what is the way forward for SA rugby?
The SA rugby board need to let the coach be the coach. Politics cannot play a part in the decisions as to who gets picked for the team. If it ends up being an all green, pink, black or white team then so be it. So long as the best players are in the team when the game is on. There has been a huge furor in SA regarding the coaches picks for the team with the governing bodies getting involved and overthrowing his decisions. This cannot happen if you hope to form a cohesive team and maintain its morale.
As the coach, I'd consider shaking up the team. Get rid of some of the old guard and play younger, enthusiastic players. While Os du Randt has been a pillar for strength for SA he is way past his prime and is someone who will always need to be 'subbed'. Play a player who can play the distance, so that, as a coach you have some options later in the game.
Ricky January shouldn't even be on the field. I haven't seen anything from him in the 5 internationals I have seen him play, that says to me that he is world class material. His replacement Du Preez had way more heart and imagination, and was able to complete a pinpoint pass, which is vital in a scrum half.
Again I say, that it was an embarrassing performance and I expect a lot more from a South African rugby side.
49 points to 0!
It would have been bearable had it been an inspired performance from Australia, but really, they only played an average but consistent game. It felt like it was South Africas 5 verse the Australia's 25. From the moment I saw the Boks run onto the field I knew there was something up. They strolled onto the pitch with their heads down as if they were beaten already.
The point at which I knew all was lost was when the South African coach pulled off the only player who did anything for the side, Ndungane. He was the only player during the game that gave the Australians any problems and actually made tackles. I must admit that Du Preez was a breathe of fresh air, saving SA from an even more embarrassing defeat by being there to hold the ball of the ground for 3 'almost' tries.
So what is the way forward for SA rugby?
The SA rugby board need to let the coach be the coach. Politics cannot play a part in the decisions as to who gets picked for the team. If it ends up being an all green, pink, black or white team then so be it. So long as the best players are in the team when the game is on. There has been a huge furor in SA regarding the coaches picks for the team with the governing bodies getting involved and overthrowing his decisions. This cannot happen if you hope to form a cohesive team and maintain its morale.
As the coach, I'd consider shaking up the team. Get rid of some of the old guard and play younger, enthusiastic players. While Os du Randt has been a pillar for strength for SA he is way past his prime and is someone who will always need to be 'subbed'. Play a player who can play the distance, so that, as a coach you have some options later in the game.
Ricky January shouldn't even be on the field. I haven't seen anything from him in the 5 internationals I have seen him play, that says to me that he is world class material. His replacement Du Preez had way more heart and imagination, and was able to complete a pinpoint pass, which is vital in a scrum half.
Again I say, that it was an embarrassing performance and I expect a lot more from a South African rugby side.
posted by Alex Charalambides | 10:19 AM
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