Boks win ugly
17 Jun 2006
Jake White’s Springboks won a scrappy, error-strewn second Test encounter against Scotland 29-15 in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
The match was hardly a spectacle, but it was a win nonetheless as White’s charges took to 13 their unbeaten home run – a Springbok record.
Once again Danie Rossouw was outstanding in a mediocre Bok display, while Schalk Burger was tireless throughout and centre Wynand Olivier had a bright game in his first start in Tests for the Boks.
Scotland were a constant thorn in the Boks side, but it took another piece of Stuart Dickinson magic to allow them to get as close as they did. His blatant decision not to call offsides on the reserve flanker, Donnie Macfadyen, who then went on to score the Scots second try, was ludicrous.
But mostly the Boks had themselves to blame for a disjointed display that will simply not cut it if they hope to beat France in Cape Town next weekend.
The Boks though had an ideal start when Percy Montgomery put over a second minute penalty after the Scots were penalised for offsides. And three minutes later he kicked another from the opposite side of the field to give the home team a 6-0 lead. It was also his 600th point in Tests for South Africa.
The Boks struggled to assert the forward dominance that was evident in Durban and Scotland showed they could be a threat when they stole a Bok line-out ball inside their own 22 and charged up-field where they were awarded a penalty and eventually scored a well-worked try by Simon Webster.
The chance to take the lead was lost when Chris Paterson’s conversion dropped short. And Montgomery made that miss count even more when he banged over his third penalty four minutes later to make it 9-5 to South Africa.
The Boks showed a willingness to run the ball, especially early on, and as a result created several good opportunities, but a combination of dropped passes and wrong options saw those moves break down prematurely.
Despite this they continued to try and be adventurous, but could not get through a solid Scottish defensive line. A monstrous Jaco van der Westhuyzen penalty from 55m on 27 minutes though pushed the Boks out further.
That proved to be the last incident of note in a half that got progressively worse. The Scots treaded the off-side line very tightly and rushed the Boks when the home team was on attack.
In an effort to hurry the visitors in the first 40 minutes, the Boks used quick lineout throws, but it proved more a hindrance than a help as Scotland caught on quickly and closed the space down rapidly. And thus the Boks found themselves on the backfoot more often than not.
The urgency from both teams – evident in at least the first 20 minutes – deteriorated as the interval approached. Eventually the teams went into the break with the Boks enjoying a seven point cushion, despite a late effort from Webster that was overruled by the TMO, which would have levelled the scores had the conversion been good.
The second stanza started inauspiciously for the Boks when Monty’s clearance kick slid off his boot, but still the Boks continued with their desire to pay positive rugby. Unfortunately it didn’t work as the Scots made most of the play throughout the last 60 minutes.
For all the endeavour, the Boks just could cross the line and it took another Monty penalty six minutes after the restart to stretch the Boks’ lead to 10 points.
It didn’t last long as Chris Paterson sloted one from 40m out minutes later that kept the visitors within striking distance. Coach Jake White brought on CJ van der Linde for Eddie Andrews at tighthead prop in the hope of perhaps getting a better platform.
It was not really forthcoming and the scrappy nature of the game continued. Paterson and Montgomery traded penalties to leave the score 18-8, before scrumhalf Fourie du Preez finally scored a try for the Boks after nearly an hour of trying.
The Scots ensured it was close until the very end when replacement Donnie Macfadyen scored from a Van der Westhuyzen mistake. However it was clearly evident to those sitting in line that he was about 4m offside when the ball is passed.
Touch judge Dickinson was also perfectly positioned to make the call, but was either blind or blatantly cheating as he allowed the five-pointer to stand as referee Tony Spreadbury had his back turned.
Fog enveloped the ground in the closing minutes as Montgomery kicked his 7th penalty from seven attempts to put the Boks out to 29-15 and seal the series win, but still a chorus of boos greeted the final whistle.
France awaits and a drastic improvement will be required if the unbeaten sequence is not to end on unlucky No 13.
By Andrew Hollely, at the EPRU Stadium
131 Comments
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17 Jun 2006, 23:25 pm
It is Neil BACK (not Best) and he RETIRED something like a year and a half ago. Do try and keep up…
17 Jun 2006, 23:26 pm
Bring it on Tackler… Your coach STILL has not figured out how to win here…
17 Jun 2006, 23:38 pm
Only 2 losses in a row in SA against the Boks seven losses in a row in NZ…
17 Jun 2006, 23:58 pm
2-2 all with the respective coaches, Tackles… With the scoreline being FAR closer in NZ than in SA. Leading with the last 6 mins to go in both matches in NZ, NZ smashed in SA on both occassions…
NZ is going down down down AGAIN
18 Jun 2006, 00:08 am
Mikeybrass please wake up. Neil Best is the Irish openside flanker. I was not referring to Neil Back.
18 Jun 2006, 00:22 am
the Tickler wank wank wank,nobhead
18 Jun 2006, 00:41 am
tackledoos
gvo iron your safari suit
18 Jun 2006, 02:10 am
It’s a national scorecard, not a coaches one. And a win is always a win, whether by 1 or by 100.
Boks last win in NZ was way back in the last century, dude! Almost a decade ago. In the current century the Boks have already had to swallow that massive fifty-pointer at Sandcastle Loftus as recently as 2003…
Biggest ever Bok win over NZ was the 17-0 hiding dished out in Durban. Back in 1928!
18 Jun 2006, 02:13 am
But win they did.
18 Jun 2006, 02:43 am
But NEVER ever at Dunedin’s dreaded “House of Pain” (Carisbrook Stadium) ! Not ever!
18 Jun 2006, 02:51 am
Ellis park?
18 Jun 2006, 04:57 am
you know whats sad, ppl who suddenly support nz just because their team started losing for a while
18 Jun 2006, 05:08 am
saffa that is very sad, ur born a bok and u should die a bok. what right do saffas hav to support another team, wankers
18 Jun 2006, 05:52 am
Snyman = USELESS
Paulse = USELESS (doesn’t tackle for **** and can’t even mark his man)
18 Jun 2006, 07:14 am
What a shocking display of rugby by the Boks. The Scots did not play brilliantly either, but at least they threatened the try line, & managed to score a couple opf tries. I know Jake and others will say it’s all about the win/result, but thats bullocks. The Boks need to be putting in good performances against ‘weaker’ (no offense to the Scots) oppenents coz if they play like that in 3N their gonna slaughtered.
Onto individual performances. Danie Rossouw was with out a doubt the best Bok on the pitch, and considering I had my doubts about him, I will be one of the 1st to say congrats to a player who is now letting his playing potential speak for him. I thought Fourie Du Preez, Olivier, Percy, Os, all had solid enough games.
My biggest complaint, is with Paulse. I, like many others, have being saying for a while that Paulse is too old and past it. The one thing he had going for him was his experience and work rate, which until yesterday I have never doubted. But, both the tries yest were his fault. I mean WHAT WAS HE DOING for the 1st try, he just let Webster stroll past him! and then for the 2nd try he trough an abosolute shocker of a pass to Jaco. Then he was subbed of immediatley, & if i had just single handly given away a try like he did, I would not be smiling & joking like he was. On top of that Paulse missed several tackles, gave away a stupid penalty for diving on a player (Webster) when he was on the ground retrieving the ball, and lookedc terrible under the high ball. They pick this Rubbish ahead of talents like Russell, Pieterson etc.
On Snyman’s performance-I think he was solid if not spectacular. He was strong runnig with the ball, but never really hit the gaps nor showed much pace. Did’nt miss many tackles, but overall he still looks to nervous for me. But an improved performance.
Overall, Unless Jake starts brining in talents like Pienaar now, then the Boks are going to struggle-they don’t have an edge!
18 Jun 2006, 08:28 am
I think some perspective needs to be maintained. The Boks won and it was not pretty – plenty to work on. But rather that than play well and lose and wonder what the hell to work on!!!!
I thought the problem we have is that we play a few phases by bashing it up and when we decide to go wide we do it with 3 forwards in the backline!!!! Comeon guys let the centres play there – especially on attack!!
What a revelation Danie has been at lock. Jake needs to own up to his “mistake” of stubbornly selecting him as a loosie for so long.
As for Paulse this was probably his worst game ever but come on guys he has NEVER let the Boks down before. Perspective!! He let one through yesterday but how many has he stopped or made previously?? Perspective please.
Having said this I am a bit dissappointed that JW did not bring in Brent Russell and Ruan Pienaar for a game like this.
Finally for those calling for Pienaar to play 10 please get back in your boxes. He is a damn good scrum half let him stay there and specialise there don’t mess him around. I think he will be found wanting at 10 at international level. Not because he is short of talent but only because he does not have enough experience at 10 at the lower levels. He has so much more experience at 9 so keep him at 9. We will unearth a good 10 sooner or later. The problem is there are 2 very good 10′s at the Sharks and U21 but both are playing out of position – Spedding and Barret.
18 Jun 2006, 09:25 am
Danie and Fourie were the men of the match. It is good to know we have that backup for bakkies.
John Smit should wake up . I expect much more from somebody his size. His throw ins were very poor. Gary should have been on the bench.CJ is still unfit, we he will get better.
Burger is becoming the dumbest rugby player in SA.Januarie looked much better than 2 weeks ago.
Paulse should go. he had his time. his experience is not enough to justify his place.
Where is meyer Bosman? White made him a Bok and now he is not playing for the u/21 or the Boks.
18 Jun 2006, 09:28 am
When has Paulse ever made a try saving tackle, he more often then not tries to go for the intercept which doglegs the backline. Not only did he let in a try yest but he also setup the scots 2nd try.
How can people say that they would rather play badley and win then play well and loose when speaking about teams like Scotland. I can understand if we were talking about playing the Poms at Twickers all the All Blacks in the WC semi’s, then all that counts is the result. But c’mon, if the Boks played well against the Scots they WOULD’NT loose.
I agree that Pienaar needs to be left at no.9, and that both he & Russell should have being included for either if not both of the Scot tests (however there was some doubt over Russell’s fitness 4 this last wkend).
White needs to find ways to create & score tries, espcially in the backs. The Tests against Scotland were the perfect oppurtunity to try some new things or new players, and apart from giving Olivier a chance, nothing new was tried. I am a big fan of White’s & wats his done, but there comes a time when a coach needs to adapt, & I feel that White is not doing that…
18 Jun 2006, 09:34 am
Pete77
Pienaar should be developed as a flyhalf or fullback….
18 Jun 2006, 09:37 am
I also fully agree on Pruik Paulse.
he did not even try to stop the first try.
18 Jun 2006, 09:38 am
Roadmap to the World Cup
After this weekends disappointment by the Boks and with a solid French XV on the way,one thinks Jake White might be a little nervous.The form shown by the Aussies in wrapping up the Poms this weekend will add to that pressure.Having to play two away games vs Aus this year could proove to be a difficult ask.The Wallabies under John Connoly have nothing to lose and all to gain making them extremely dangerous opponents. They seemed closer to their exciting best this weekend and will be desperate to erase the pain of last years failings.The All Blacks are the world rugby benchmarks at present and even at home will provide a stiff challenge.
Public reaction has been comical at best and even the media have worked their way round in circles as the season gets underway.The Bok XV was ridiculed for their poor performance against the World XV and justifiably so.It was a typical pre-season encounter and the World XV succeded in playing the Boks off their game.It was most unfortunate as many Bok “wannabees” failed to grasp the chance and we were treated to a festival of drivel.
The first Test against the Scots and everybody jumped for joy,easily overlooking the fact the Scots failed to impose themselves in any way.The Boks looked a far better side and played some very good rugby to win rather more modestly than they should have.The second Test and it seems Jake and his charges went out of their way to engineer a tight Test match.The Scots were marginally more competitive,but in all honesty it was only the Boks poor play that saved a massacre.Simply not good enough and hopefully a wake up call.
The French will be a huge challenge and the Bokke will have to rise to the occasion.The way that France handed it to the Boks in Paris last year was a fine example of how to play the opponents out of the match and this must be what the Boks play for.We are still a long way off the ruthless efficiency that will re-establish our aura of invincibility.That said the French may not even arrive and this would be a real disaster for the Boks,an easy win against France could send us into the Tri-nations with false confidence and as I have said the Aussies are rapidly rediscovering the form that made them World Champions and there is no more to be said of the All Blacks,they rank one for a reason.
After the attrition of the Tri-nations it’s off to Europe with the aim of extracting revenge against the Irish,who have given the Kiwi side a decent run down under.This will not be an easy match and two Tests at Twickenham will really test Bok metal.This EOYT will play a vital role in preparing the minds of those going to the WC. Three from three and it’s all smiles,but it could quite easily go none from three and a major setback in preparations for RWC.
In preparing his charges for next years World Cup the biggest problems Jake faces are:
1.The need to create depth and give different combinations a run,there are no easy Tests left to do this and there are a number of players who need to be exposed and evaluated.
2.The unfortunate “Quota” problem that continues to hamper the game.How to include enough players of colour and balance that with 30 men that are actually capable of winning.
3.A rugby mad public and media that have not completely bought in to the coach or his plans and a segregated rugby community.The sooner everybody accepts that Jake has the task and supports him fully the better.There will be plenty of time for “I told you so” should he fail,but right now the team and management need support and understanding.This said SA rugby in general has to be more forthcoming and respectful of the media and public.
4.The current contracting and selection processes must be revised ASAP.There is too much evidence supporting the closed shop complacency theories that abound.Everybody that dons a rugby jersey in this country has a claim to a Bok jersey.There should be no automatic selections and form is the only barometer.A player like Vic Matfield or Joe van Niekerk should simply play their way in regardless of the form of others,but should they fail to maintain their form must be dispatched and re-claim that right. The onus of being an automatic selection lies on the shoulders of the player,he must outplay his rivals week in and week out,this is the players own responsibility.
My little rant is now over and I will continue to hope for the Rugby Rennaisance that will once and for all build a structure in this country that will ensure our place at the head of the rugby table and spread the good word of the game.
18 Jun 2006, 09:47 am
The problem is clear for all too see , only Jake is soo loyal too his 1st choises he cant get rid of them
THE BACLINE COACH or the guy who pretends to be a bacline coach ALLISTAR COETZEE , after his F%#k up with the Cats , who needs more proof.
Jake must fire him and bring in Gysie Pienaar or **** Muir as backline coach.
On tha odher hand can anyone coach with stubborn Jake???
18 Jun 2006, 09:57 am
Paulse had a good game. Everyone who says Habana has it hard, because the backline never get’s any ball to him, should take a look at how much ball Paulse got compared to Habana??? On the right wing, where traditionally you get less ball. Habana is red hot, but he could learn alot from Paulse on how to get involved with general play and look for work.
18 Jun 2006, 09:59 am
Superbul,
Coetzee is n kwota afrigter.
So maklik soos dit.
18 Jun 2006, 12:48 pm
MikeyBrass and co. Seems like I’m not the only one who thinks Paulse needs to be dropped…..
18 Jun 2006, 12:48 pm
Vetkoek. The guy has a big heart and knows what he should be doing but his lack of pace/bulk etc stop him from doing it,simply as that.
18 Jun 2006, 15:05 pm
viper show some fukn respect to paulse, hes better than you and your ndugane brothers
18 Jun 2006, 15:24 pm
xsaffa are you sure you are not Tackler in disguise? You two talk the same ****.
20 Jun 2006, 17:30 pm
Paulse is soft and needs to go and play netball.
Jack can still go and watch him play if he wants.
And bring on oranges for his boy at half time.
15 Nov 2006, 18:47 pm
Something that’s been bothering me is the bok forwards are sh*t and nobodies mentioned Gert Smal he was terrible with WP and he obviously can’t sort the boks out so why’s white not trying to get a decent forwards coach in?
15 Nov 2006, 18:48 pm
how the hell did that get in this thread!!
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