Rants and Raves from the second tests

Raving about Captain Kolisi and ranting about the South African fans for Independent Media’s IOL following the Boks’ series win against England.

TOP RAVE

Big players make big plays and among the most significant plays in South Africa’s win against England was Siya Kolisi’s penalty turnover just before halftime. Kolisi showed exceptional pace in the chase to be the second man in at the ball and once there complete the perfect turnover. Kolisi, as captain, also appreciated the psychology of getting to halftime ahead and he urged Handre Pollard to give it crack from 60 metres. Pollard delivered, the Boks lead (13-12) for the first time in the match and England spirit and fight was finished.

TOP RANT

I have loved watching the Springboks in the past two Tests and they’ve achieved two fantastic wins against a very good England. What irks me is how many South Africans struggle to enjoy the moment and always default to how the performance would never have been enough to beat the All Blacks, the very same All Blacks who looked decidedly ordinary in beating a French team ranked eighth in the world and playing with one less man for 60 minutes. Ask Kiwi fans and they’ll tell you they are the ones relieved it was the All Blacks who weren’t playing the Springboks on Saturday.

To read the rest of my highlights and complaints from the past weekend’s tests, visit iol.co.za