I think your statement below encapsulates most of it.

“They know they need to dominate the first phase, and are very, very good at it – partly because they make the right decisions.”

The seem to appreciate the power of the player in possession is. What they then do is create multiple options for the ballcarrier, not allowing the defensive players to fully commit to a contact situation. Because of that indecisive action by the defenders, they can dominate the contact point, shift the ball before contact, or shift the ball in contact. Obviously there the foundational principles of good supporting lines, good soft skills and the reaction of the player to the visual stimuli on the field.

Essentially the principles around coaching involve. Teach, understand, learn, practice, recognize and execute.

Also helps that there’s some sort of national playing identity. There’s no major effort to homogenize 5 or 6 playing styles.

They know they need to dominate the first phase, and are very, very good at it – partly because they make the right decisions.

Funny how they have so often been successful at dominating the collisions on first phase rather than necessarily dominating the set piece – I’d like to get your views on this.

This is a very interesting topic and something worth investigating. Their set pieces early in the game are very vulnerable, but as the game progress and they dominate the collisions due to the tiring opposition, they tend to dominate the set pieces.

I’ve heard a lot of arguments against the idea of De Jongh at 12 on the basis that “he does not pass”.

I am not sure if this is just criticism. I agree that he needs to work on that skill, certainly, but he does not necessarily pass less than the other centers domestically.

However, he can step off both feet which means he can attack the outside shoulder of the immediate defender in front of him successfully, most of the time.

This forms the basis for quick ruck ball on the second phase.

No. He is just mad. Barking mad.

Yeah look, M Steyn is going to have to up his defensive game any which way you cut it.

I agree de Jongh is a 12 but still think he needs to work on his passing game. By passing more he would keep the defence guessing. At the moment they know he very rarely passes meaning all the dummies in the world are not going to get you through the gap whereas when there is the threat that you may pass defenders take this threat a little more seriously.

But even with front foot ball you can stuff it up by standing too deep.

I thought we had decent front foot ball in the first 20 minutes but took our time to recycle.

A prime example of how to utilise a crash-ball 12 as a good distributor.

Nonu’s decision-making is in a different league.

OK – thank you for your vote of confidence and for obviously recognizing my considerable rugby knowledge and genius

All of which is largely irrelevant if we don’t get front foot ball thanks to our forwards.

Hence, it is incorrect to attribute our attacking woes in the first half to the alignment of the backline.

Look to the forward dominance or lack thereof for the culprit.

Passionate Bok supporters.

Similar to you being a passionate Bulls supporter.

You should know the feeling?

Relax, people. Bok rugby is at the dawn of its greatest era.

Second half our alignment was flatter.

If calling Spies useless makes me an idiot, then an idiot I am – gladly

Too predictable and not enough space.

@Alucard(Alucard)-72: De Jongh has the feet and speed needed at 12 to ensure a smooth second phase for his team.

@WP Till I Die(WP-Forever)-79: LOL! For a calming influence Of die ander Dagbreker