Brave Wallabies shut out Boks
9 Oct 2011
JON CARDINELLI watched the Wallabies hang on for what could be the unlikeliest yet most significant victory at this 2011 World Cup.
Did the better team win? It’s a question the Springboks will be asking themselves from now and until the next global tournament in 2015.
South Africa controlled the game for large periods but were repeatedly undone by the Wallabies’ heroic defence. David Pocock was talked about as a danger man in the build up, and after a breakdown performance highlighted by some momentum stalling and often try-saving turnovers, he was undoubtedly the game’s MVP.
Much will be said about referee Bryce Lawrence’s performance with the whistle. Lawrence adopted an ‘anything goes’ policy at the rucks, but it was the Wallabies that adapted to the official’s style early on. The Wallabies dominated the collisions in the first half, and with Heinrich Brussow crying off with a rib injury, the Boks battled to combat Pocock’s inhibiting presence at the breakdown.
The Boks enjoyed as much as 84% territory and 55% possession in the first half, and yet only garnered a three point return. Their poor ball security at ruck time led to turnovers, as did their tendency to spill the ball in contact.
They upped their game in both respects in the second stanza, and it was all the Aussie could do to hang on. The subdue and conquer style so prominent and effective in 2009 once again held sway, and the Wallabies forwards struggled to resist the Boks when they cleaned out would-be ball poachers. They also battled to deal with the high ball, which was well chased by South Africa’s belligerent backs.
Quade Cooper had a shocker. After a dropping a high ball first up, he was often caught in possession and failed to provide the expected impact with the boot. A number of Wallabies grew increasingly susceptible as the game wore on, but the Boks just lacked that killer blow.
There’s no denying that the Boks had their chances. Jean de Villiers made a scything break in the second stanza and put Pat Lambie away for a try, only to be called back for a forward pass. Fourie du Preez thought he was in for a five-pointer when some good Bok defence dislodged the ball centimetres from the Aussie line. Unfortunately, the ball was again knocked free as Du Preez reached for the line.
Every Bok surge into Wallabies territory was succeeded by a desperate display of defence. The turnover followed, and the Aussies’ inability to clear their lines with any great distance ensured the game remained in the Wallabies’ half. The Boks’ lineout dominance also contributed to their territorial ascendancy, but in the end they will lament their inconsistent showing at the breakdown, as well as their poor finishing when it was on out wide.
After a frustrating period on attack, Morne Steyn finally put the Boks ahead 9-8 with a well-taken drop-goal. With 20 minutes to play, the momentum was with the Boks and if they continued to play in Wallabies territory and control possession, they would advance to the semi-finals.
But the introduction of Berrick Barnes had the desired effect for the Wallabies, and after a series of tactical kicking misfires by his team-mates, he delivered a rolling kick deep into the Boks’ 22. The Wallabies remained in the Boks’ half and eventually won a penalty, which James O’Connor held his nerve to convert.
It was a massive moment for the youngster, who had missed a relatively easy attempt in the first half. If he had missed, the chances were the Boks would regain possession, resume control and win the game. If he slotted it, it would set up a dramatic eight minutes where the Wallabies would need to continue to repel the rampant Bok forwards.
Through the Herculean efforts of Bismarck du Plessis and Schalk Burger, the Boks threw everything at the Aussies in those final minutes. They even managed to turn the Wallabies over, but unfortunately knocked it on just when they were moving back into the area of the field where Steyn would be able to kick for goal.
From there, the Wallabies closed out the game smartly. It will remain one of the great escapes for the Wallabies, but the Boks can hardly argue that they deserved to win this game. They didn’t take their opportunities, and on the day, the scoreboard will show that they were punished for that failure to convert dominance into points.
1,133 Comments
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9 Oct 2011, 13:33 pm
@Hurricane(Hurricane)-1026:
I would be very careful if I’m an AB fan right now
Your ref eliminated the Boks but Robbie Deans could be the man to break Kiwi hearts as early as next weekend.
So be very careful
He would have noticed the hesitant play by the ABs and will assure his players that the ABs are feeling the pressure; it was only when the game was well and truly beyond doubt that the rhythm came back
Daniel Ka’ra (thats how some pronounced Carter) absence makes them incredibly vulnerable; they chuck the ball to Nonu all the time but we see now how Nonu’s success has largely been Carter’s brilliance
Things have turned for Deans – lets not forget the efforts of Owen Mackenzie with the Reds – and more often than not his team is coming off the right side when the contests are close
Ted also seems very unsure of his combinations, why put Sonny Bill on 11?
2 more hurdles, but you have to negotiate both successfully; it is not a foregone conclusion that 1987 will be repeated
9 Oct 2011, 13:34 pm
IT IS ALL OVER SAFFAS!
WHINING WILL NOT HELP.
80% possession/territory and the Boks could not manifest enough points.
Pure and simple.
80% territory and possession and you are blaming the NEUTRAL Ref.
You are indeed sick mothers.
9 Oct 2011, 13:36 pm
@JL1(JL1)-1040:
I don’t have a referee. What the hell are you talking about?
9 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
@cane(cane)-1052: I am a saffa.. but I am happily gloating.:lol:
9 Oct 2011, 13:39 pm
@cane(cane)-1052: Not as simple as just 80% possession and territory tho. The breakdown is crucial for continuity and this is where Bryce got it wrong. But I agree with the rest. It is indeed over and no amount of whining is going to change that.
9 Oct 2011, 13:41 pm
Cane ? It is not a keyboard you’re using, but an anal sphincter, it seems. As only $hit is coming out if it
9 Oct 2011, 13:45 pm
@toby(toby)-1042: Sorry to disappoint doll, i am not devastated, just resigned, it is only after all just a game that is watched for its entertainment.
Wont be any councilling and such needed in SA, we will b*tch and moan for a while and then start picking on our new coach who ever that might be, or even better we have our beloved Curry Cup so will revert to fighting with each other, AINT LIFE GREAT.
9 Oct 2011, 13:46 pm
Bokgat1
Keep my mother out of it.
I am not whinging the aussies won. Good luck going further.
The simple point I am making which has obviously gone right over your head is that the biggest problem we have in rugby is referee’s and teams don’t seem to include it in their preparation.
Today Pocock was a hero next week he could just as easily be the villain and he will have done nothing different. My conspiracy theory above was meant as a tongue in cheek prediction of the reaction next week when Pocock gets blown off the park for doing nothing different. Again subtlety beyond you.
Refs have an affect and our coaching staff and team vets should take that into account obviously they didnt. They paid for that today. When I bet on rugby I check team sheet, ref, venue and weather, in that order. Now please take your mind off mommys and teats.
9 Oct 2011, 13:46 pm
Bokgat1
Keep my mother out of it.
I am not whinging the aussies won. Good luck going further.
The simple point I am making which has obviously gone right over your head is that the biggest problem we have in rugby is referee’s and teams don’t seem to include it in their preparation.
Today Pocock was a hero next week he could just as easily be the villain and he will have done nothing different. My conspiracy theory above was meant as a tongue in cheek prediction of the reaction next week when Pocock gets blown off the park for doing nothing different. Again subtlety beyond you.
Refs have an affect and our coaching staff and team vets should take that into account obviously they didnt. They paid for that today.
9 Oct 2011, 13:47 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-1051:
So AB fans should be kereful (that is how some people pronounce it) because a referee that we have (I know I don’t have one but perhaps other Kiwi’s here can check in their garage) eliminated the Boks and Robbie Deans watched the game and has seen how we play.
Thanks for that useful information Sheriff. I am sure that any Kiwi’s here will provide feedback if they posses a referee
9 Oct 2011, 13:47 pm
Check this:
ABs are under tremendous pressure
If Wallabies win the WC: then Deans (a kiwi) broke their hearts
If France win the WC: then it’s their old enemy
If Wales win: then Gatland (a kiwi) broke their hearts
From my simple calc it would seem that in terms of probability, it is a lot easier for things to go wrong than right
9 Oct 2011, 13:49 pm
@toby(toby)-1047: It is a highly debatable claim and certainly the refs went out of their way to try to get Australia over the line in 2003. But you would not rule out this Rugby World Cup being decided on a shonky decision.
Mr Bryce Lawrence, the son of an official, is rated rather highly by those in charge of the whistle blowers. But a lot of players and fans have absolutely no idea why. He made a complete hash of today’s game between Australia and South Africa and the Springboks will be furious.
They identified the breakdown as a crucial area of the match beforehand, but they did expect there to be some sort of reffing.
The South Africans thought that the tackler would have to release the ball carrier. They thought that the offside line would be respected. They thought that men would have to stay on the feet. Instead it was a complete shambles.
The trouble is that Lawrence has form at this sort of thing. He was given the final of Super Rugby for apparently being the best ref in the tournament.
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Some of us thought that the South African refs were in an altogether different class. They would also have had the advantage of being neutral as the final was between an Aussie and a Kiwi side. But no, Mr Lawrence got the nod.
And despite all the fantastic players on the pitch, the match became a farce because Lawrence had absolutely no control over the breakdown. Players were diving in on all sides. It became a free-for-all.
What could have been a great game of rugby turned into a mess, because Lawrence did not rule the breakdown.
So should we be surprised at today’s snore. More often than not dull matches are greatly contributed to by the refs inability to be accurate at the contact area. Yes, South Africa are nothing like as efficient there without the great Juan Smith to clean out.
But unless the IRB’s refs get a grip we are going to have some really dull semi-finals. Hopefully the guys who can really get a grip at the breakdown – the South Africans and the Northern Hemisphere refs – will be put in charge of the final four matches.
If we let a Kiwi near the games, then it will be more mayhem. South Africa will feel cheated. And they have every right to complain.
The Aussies have already made one New Zealand ref – Steve Walsh – one of their own. Lawrence could well be next in line for honorary citizenship.
9 Oct 2011, 13:49 pm
I am watching a replay and in the 55th minute if anyone can help me identify some one sided refereeing then please point me to it.
9 Oct 2011, 13:52 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-1061:
Who is ‘their’?
Yes we have a less than 50% chance of winning the Cup so yes in all probability things will most likely go wrong.
This is an amazing serious is useful and important information that you are providing.
9 Oct 2011, 13:52 pm
@rocopoco(rocopoco)-1041:
Yeah actually I want either Wales or France to win it this time
I am rooting flat out for a Wales or France vs Aussie final with Wales / France the victor
9 Oct 2011, 13:54 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-1065:
and it is 80% improbability as long as Paddy O’B is convener of referees..
who gonna try contest that ??
9 Oct 2011, 13:55 pm
@chch(chch)-1060:
You know you’re in a bad space if Piri Weepu becomes the one to pin your hope on
You know as well as I do that Deans understand the psyche of the kiwi players, especially Richie and Ted.
Richie got knocked back the tackle several times today and did not have the same influence than say 2 years ago. With Ka’ra out, it presents a whole basket full of opportunities for Wallabies
As regards Ted, he will also notice that there quite a bit of uncertainty there; he knows he’s lucky to get out of a game where his team was whipped but he will try to inspire them to beat the old enemy
They play the same style so the difference will be who can respond the best to the pressure; he will instil the belief that the ABs feel the pressure MORE
Hosting the event, the semi final and then the final may prove to be too much in the end
9 Oct 2011, 13:55 pm
@JL1(JL1)-1062:
As I said earlier, I am watching a replay … please point out some events in the match that you have an issue with.
9 Oct 2011, 13:57 pm
This is shaping to be a great world cup. Champs out with the attendant controversy. Wales reminding us of the good old days. France unpredictable as usual. Australia will struggle after todays war of attrition. AB’s onto their 3rd flyhalf.
Too close to call but **** on the block its always won by the team with an inspirational skipper and on that basis the AB’s are favourites.
9 Oct 2011, 13:58 pm
Here at Big Daddy Rugby our girlfriends and wives readers often accuse us of being too cynical and mean-spirited. So we thought we’d cover a feel good story for a change. One of those triumphs of the human spirit/overcoming the odds stories that will get you through an otherwise bleak work week. We’re putting the spotlight on a true human inspiration – Bryce Lawrence: the first legally blind man to officiate a Super Rugby match.
Bryce Lawrence shortly before the Sharks Crusaders match
Set back as he is by his inability to actually see anything in front of him, Bryce has had to overcome more obstacles than most in order to referee at the highest level. Most people who are incapable of spotting a forward pass, late hit or foot on the touch line might decide that officiating a professional sport probably isn’t a good career choice. But plucky Bryce has kept at it and despite his inability to penalize anything resembling a New Zealander, Bryce has been awarded the highest honours a referee can be given – officiating at both Super Rugby and Test Rugby.
On Saturday our plucky referee had the whistle for a crucial knock out game between the Sharks and Crusaders. He put in a brave performance and his blindness was only evident for a few occasions. Sure, he penalized the Beast for a “dangerous engagement” BEFORE the Beast actually engaged with his opposite number and he had a general disregard for New Zealand hands all over the pill at ruck time, but critical Sharks fans must remember the tremendous obstacles Bryce has had to overcome in order to officiate.
For someone who is incapable of sight, his performance with the whistle showed a lot of moxie. For that Bryce, you’re an inspiration to us all.
Besides Sharks fans – it’s not like have a sighted official would have made a difference.
9 Oct 2011, 14:03 pm
The Boks did us proud and there’s no humiliation in this defeat. The Aussies (all banged up and bruised) will know they were pretty lucky to come away with the win. Well done to them though for hanging on (including playing the ref better than we did – I have no problem with that). 2 things however. Why the hell didn’t Morne go for posts mid-way in the first half when only 5-0 down rather than going for the line out.? I thought our whole strategy revolved around playing in the opposition half and milking the penalties? If I’m not mistaken there was a second penalty also kicked into touch. Stupid and this coming from the most experienced Bok team ever. 2nd thing, both JS and Jannie duP are weak tacklers and playing them in tandem was always going to be risky.The lead up to the first try proved this. JS played his heart out otherwise and didn’t do too much else wrong in general, however Bissy should have started or someone else who can tackle instead of Jannie (CJ? although I’m not too sure about his tackling either) if PdV insisted on JS. Also thought Fourie was ordinary and should have actually played more rather than remonstrate with the ref and direct traffic. Pity, I think the match against the AB’s minus DC would have been 50/50. Oh well another 4 years.
9 Oct 2011, 14:03 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-1067:
“You know as well as I do that Deans understand the psyche of the kiwi players, especially Richie and Ted.”
What All Black player is named Ted?
(or is that how some people pronounce Muliaina?)
“As regards Ted, he will also notice that there quite a bit of uncertainty there; he knows he’s lucky to get out of a game where his team was whipped but he will try to inspire them to beat the old enemy”
What does that mean?
What team got whipped?
Who are the old enemy?
Are you referring to Ted the coach or Ted the player?
“They play the same style so the difference will be who can respond the best to the pressure; he will instil the belief that the ABs feel the pressure MORE”
Who is ‘he’?
“Hosting the event, the semi final and then the final may prove to be too much in the end”
If you host the event then don’t you also host the semi-final and final?
Should we have outsourced?
Very informative stuff, please keep posting
9 Oct 2011, 14:07 pm
@JL1(JL1)-1062: **** you expect me to read that garbage…You lost get over it…**** Ab’s could lose next week and I definitely won’t be coming on here to blame refs…
Bok’s played very well just didn’t use their possession…end of story.
9 Oct 2011, 14:09 pm
@toby(toby)-1073: Referees and rules are destroying rugby. The IRB is a bureaucratic disaster and should be disbanded. One of the worst outcomes of its management is that games are now won or lost based on the capricious judgments of referees and their wildly changing approaches to the rules. Very few referees do a good job. A few do, but too many are hopeless, and the most hopeless of all IMHO is Bryce Lawrence.
Way back when Lawrence made his debut into upper level rugby, I laughed when I heard him complaining about Andrew Merhtens constantly sledging him during the game.
Lawrence claimed that after one decision that upset Canterbury, Merhtens said loudly- “Don’t worry guys, he’ll be back reffing second division next weekend”
Well, he should have been, but sadly he’s moved on upwards and is now a top official at the world cup. What a disaster. I reckon Lawrence is the worst referee there, and with Stuart Dickinson also present, that’s saying something.
Its only my humble opinion of course, but Lawrence, Dickinson and Steve Walsh are the three worst referees in the tournament, and I’d put Lawrence as the worst of them all. They make the game difficult to watch. If not impossible.
Lawrence is averaging 6.3 scrum resets per game. This is the highest number of resets per game for any ref in the RWC.
For scrum penalties, Lawrence is 3rd highest in the RWC with 4.3 per game.
Here though is the killer statistic- During Lawrence’s three Wallabies games the penalty count is 33 awarded to the opposition and 18 awarded to the Wallabies. This is a figure that has to say something about his judgment.
The Daily Telegraph reports today the Lawrence himself has admitted to many mistakes-
Many of the Kiwi referee’s decisions in the 15-6 win by Ireland at Eden Park – particularly at the scrum – appeared to baffle the Wallabies, and allowed Ireland to knock over decisive penalties or repel Australian pressure.
But in a crucial twist, The Daily Telegraph understands Lawrence later made admissions he had got several calls wrong at the scrum – including one that led to an Ireland penalty goal – and conceded other decisions were also inaccurate.
Lawrence needs to up his standards for the Aussie Springboks game tomorrow, but I don’t think he can. As Merhtens said way back, he’s only ever going to be a second rater. Shouldn’t ever have made it to the world cup.
Update: Another disastrous error filled display that made a farce of the game of rugby. Lawrence should be fired along with the IRB officials who appointed him to officiate at a level that is obviously far beyond his capabilities. If it was up to me, I wouldn’t let him ref a district high school final.
9 Oct 2011, 14:09 pm
What about John Mitchell as Bok coach, together with King Carlos (not the goal-kicking coach)?
Expose Johan Goosen to international rugby early and build the team around the guy, as well as Lambie. I’d love to see a team resembling the Mallet era with guile and speed in the backline. It’s time for a new start, intellect, manly voices and enjoyable questions.
To PdV I say the (alleged) famous words of Sean Connery: ‘I moustache you a question, but I will shave it for later.
9 Oct 2011, 14:10 pm
@wasabi(wasabi)-1071: Have to agree the Bok’s played well but that’s how tight games go…
9 Oct 2011, 14:11 pm
To blame the ref for everything is clearly wrong, but to say he had no influence is beyond stupid.
9 Oct 2011, 14:11 pm
@JL1(JL1)-1074: Don’t expect to read that **** your just sore cause you lost…really Bok’s just didn’t use their possesion
9 Oct 2011, 14:14 pm
@JL1(JL1)-1074:
That Daily telegraph writer is just a shock jock. He gets paid to be controversial. he wrote that whole racist thing about golf.
All you can do is come up with a non-rugby expert who is paid to be controversial. Fins a valid and reputable source.
9 Oct 2011, 14:15 pm
@Die_Valk(Die_Valk)-1077: Ref’s always leave some mark on a game…but Bryce wasn’t bad in fact I would say he was pretty even..Bok’s had plenty of chances to win the game but didn’t…end of story
9 Oct 2011, 14:16 pm
@chch(chch)-1072:
Yeah I saw I put Ted’s name in there, referring to players.
Ok, you want to do this, so here – I realize you are choking already reading my posts
In short:
1. Deans will mastermind the Kiwis’ demise
2. Ted is again – like in 2007 – unsure of his combinations
3. Deans will convince his players that the ABs are feeling the pressure more
Finally, no you should not have outsourced. I’m saying the pressure of it all may take its toll.
9 Oct 2011, 14:17 pm
@chch(chch)-1079: Have to agree so many Pommy Writers love to do that…look at Mark Reason..he even lives in NZ and loves make headlines..it’s all Bullshit
9 Oct 2011, 14:20 pm
@toby(toby)-1080:
Even? That comment says all that needs to be said about your contribution on here. Pocock got away with murder at the breakdowns, contesting clear rucks, kicking the ball from an offside position, being off his feet and handling the ball on the ground. It wasn’t even subtle.
The reason for our loss is our no. 9 as I’ve said previously, but don’t discredit yourself by making such ludicrous statements. Brycie clearly had a bit of a mare, but that’s life. We just need to move on.
9 Oct 2011, 14:22 pm
Pity that the two strongest teams have to contest one semi final. Poor Wales and France.
9 Oct 2011, 14:29 pm
@Sheriff(Sheriff)-1081:
1. Deans is a Kiwi so you are saying he is masterminding his demise. I actually think Deans is very good and I can’t see him being stupid enough to mastermind his own demise. You would have to be pretty stupid to come up with an idea like that.
2. Maybe, I don’t know. How do you know that?
Have you been chatting with his recently or is this something from a while back?
3. Um, of course he will. Very informative though Sheriff. This stuff is gold.
“Finally, no you should not have outsourced. I’m saying the pressure of it all may take its toll.”
The pressure of what? Of being hosts?
GH does not actually have to organise anything. They hire all sorts of officials and staff to host the World Cup. GH just coaches the All Blacks. Would have been pretty silly to have made him organise the whole event.
9 Oct 2011, 14:47 pm
@chch(chch)-1085:
I see you’re getting all pedantic with me.
Thats ok, you must be getting very concerned
Your continued replies tell me I have at least your attention. You should actually thank me.
Btw – who are you loyal to? Deans or the ABs? At times I get the distinct impression you support Deans more.
Do you have an identity crisis?
2 key players who will step up next week: Quade Cooper & Digby Ioane
9 Oct 2011, 15:31 pm
And to rub further salt in the wounds, just read that Pocock is a saffa, born in Messina SA, how did we let him get away??? Was wasn’t he a springbok!!!!!
9 Oct 2011, 15:48 pm
The irony is coming into this match it was the Wallabies with every right to complain about having Bryce Lawrence ref yet another (third) game for them this RWC – he has been absolutely merciless to Oz to date and the Wallabies copped their fair share of the bad calls in this game also. What can be said is this game was a showcase for everything that is good about rugby, notwithstanding the outcome – the commitment from both sides was immense. I now wait to hear 4+ Walabies are out injured for the semi.
9 Oct 2011, 16:01 pm
You know what. I am actually over this world cup. I am over ABs winning it. We are used to losing it. It would be nice but it doesn’t matter. Maybe the joke is still on the rest of the world for thinking one tournament makes you the best. I think playing amazing rugby makes you the best. Be it Wales, the lions on form this curried cup. There really is much to be said about the world cup in its current format.
9 Oct 2011, 16:06 pm
To follow on the pool system is flawed, how can ******* French pitch up for one game every four years and make the semis but they don’t deserve it. How can England do the same? You cannot say you are the best until you play every team in the contest. It would do much for rugby. Until then it is an excuse to plug sponsorship deals while going through the motions. So do I care if ABs don’t win and do I need to be carefull about what I say. No I dont even if we choke we still finish ahead of you in z farce of a contest.
9 Oct 2011, 16:32 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-1034:
Your team choked, no doubt about it. This game was as important as the final and your boys blew it.
That’s a fact.
9 Oct 2011, 17:59 pm
@JL1(JL1)-1070:
9 Oct 2011, 18:02 pm
Extremely excited about a new coach with a vision, and next year’s Tri Nations. Dumping, “Sies”, FdP, Habana, and the exodus of Plod will bring the real talent to the fore. We are the best. We have just had a few “moegoes” on the gravy train defeating our own interests.
Go Bokke. We love you!!
9 Oct 2011, 18:07 pm
@Inevitable(Inevitable)-1091: No man doll, that was just called a loss, **** happens unfortunately.
9 Oct 2011, 19:37 pm
While South Africa head back home on Monday, to the surprise of everybody including possibly themselves the Australians head up to Auckland for a semi-final date against the All Blacks.
It would be too trite to say the Wallabies didn’t deserve it. Any team that defends as heroically, and for as long, as Australia did here in Wellington had earned the right to still be in contentions in the closing stages.
They enjoyed some luck – specially in referee Bryce Lawrence’s horribly laissez fire control of the break down which saw David Pocock seemingly offend at will – but equally their sheer bloody mindedness frustrated the Springboks into making some poor decisions and turning the ball over with untypical regularity. The absence of their long range kicker Frans Steyn, injured against Samoa last week, was also telling.
By Brendan Gallagher, in Wellington
9 Oct 2011, 20:49 pm
@ashampoopaloo(joel1yahoo)-1013:
Fitzpatrick makes the comment that pienaar needed to put his glasses on.
9 Oct 2011, 20:56 pm
@Jinx2(Jinx2)-1093: Four, get used to it. 8)
@surreyshark4(surreyshark4)-1095: Heinrich going off was crucial for Boks chances, you can’t say David was alone in his shenannigans, Heinrich was the same type of naughty boy there.
9 Oct 2011, 20:59 pm
@JEZ(DEE DAH)-1058:
Pocock is not likely to do it again unless he is allowed to…he adapted to the ref!
9 Oct 2011, 21:02 pm
@1071 wasabi: you make a very good point, which bok fans should be thinking about.
Why did smit and steyn decide to turn down a kickable penaly and go for a try, when only 15 mins into the game and only 8 points down? The boks muffed the attacking play, so I proved an expensive gamble.
This is the third time this year that I can recall the boks doing this, once in the TN and in the game against wales. The gamble paid off the first two times, but not against the wallabies.
Seems to me there was no need to gamble at this point in this game, because you still had 65 minutes to go (whereas against wales you only had 10-15).
As well as missing out on 3 points, you boosted wallaby confidence. They grew an inch as it made you look rattled, and it gave them confidence to push the envelope more at the breakdown knowing there was a good chance you would spurn the kick at goal unless right in front.
9 Oct 2011, 21:08 pm
@Inevitable(Inevitable)-1091:
How does a team that has played k@k rugby for 18 months and was expected to lose to the Wallabies get the chockers tag?
@chch(chch)-1063:
High tackle much? Everyone is talking about the breakdown but not one penalty went the Boks way for so many blatant high tackles.
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