Another day, another dollar. Another rather fortunate win for the Springboks against Argentina, but at least it was a win.
At one stage it looked like a sure loss and for dogged determination, at least, hats off to the Springboks. There are positives to take from the game but in terms of where we need to be, there is a long way to go.
Faf de Klerk is a real find, however, and I bet a lot of European and Japanese moguls are sharpening pencils. That diagonal run off the scrum was done at such pace and with such theatrical menace. Yes, there is a place for that in rugby, that the blind flank, instead of covering in, was sold on the out and the sublime reverse pass put Johan Goosen in for a clean try. That was a marvellous piece of clinical scoring off a set-piece. Goosen also looked interesting at fullback and deserves more game time.
Our tight play was good but why do we spend so much time defending? Why do we not dominate?
But before we get carried away with the questions and the positives, did you watch the All Blacks destroy Australia in Sydney? It is not a bad Wallabies side. They were playing their fourth game of the season and were up for it. There was supposedly a bugging device found in the Kiwi team room so it is possible, though unlikely, that the Aussies had an idea of the Kiwi game plan and tactics. That is terrifying because if they had, they were still totally destroyed by a side that gave as good a performance of total rugby as I have ever seen. This is not hyperbole or exaggeration. They were almost perfection personified. Show that to your schools and development players. That is rugby at its best, individually and collectively.
We know about their backline. The halves are quick and decisive and vary tactics almost at will. The first instinct is to shift the target and to spread the ball wide but they know that this also spreads defences. At all times the ball carrier has an option inside, and they vary kicks with bombs, chips and foot passes to dangerous wingers. We have known about this for ages but this team has taken the confidence level in the backs to an even higher plane.
The startling thing is the skill level of the tight five and, in particular, the locks. They massacred the Aussie line-out and they scrum well. Up to now they have driven well in the loose and seemed complete players in their positions. You can forget that because now they have redefined complete lock play and taken it miles further on.
On a number of occasions Brodie Retallick was first receiver, but instead of driving forward, he straightened, let the shallow runner run, then distributed back to the deep runner who took the ball at speed. He was like a top flyhalf. Think what that means. It commits defenders as they have to be prepared for a physical drive, and being a tight forward as a distributor, it releases an extra fast back to run wide. With blind winger and fullback in the move, this can release three extra runners at the defence.
In fairness, Eben Etzebeth looked like he has also upped his game in this regard. Hopefully he is not alone.
The depressing conclusion is that while we are desperately trying to catch up to the All Blacks as they were at the World Cup, they’re busy moving to an even higher level fast. Their rush defence, pioneered by the Hurricanes, is also disruptive, explosive and, far from being crude, measured and controlled. They also have options in almost every position, so injury, suspension and loss of form is not going to affect them hugely. All this from a tiny country? Amazing.
Before we all reach for the razor blades, let’s take stock.
We have wonderful potential. We have speed, size and strength and a population that has never really had a fair chance. We have sponsors willing to commit millions if they feel there will be returns to be had. The trouble is we have not accepted that we are no longer world leaders in terms of innovation.
We are followers these days and some do not even realise it. Some administrators and fans believe we have a God-given right to win because that is how South Africans were brought up to think. We need to wake up.
Our rugby leaders, starting with the national coaching staff, need to identify where our skills are deficient and start a revolution. It will be hard for some of the Boks but they are professionals and can learn. It will not come quickly but we need to see evidence of intent to improve.
Tonight’s game will be tough and physical but the scariest part of last week was that at times the Argentinians looked more like the All Blacks than we did.
Thank goodness we have three years to Japan. There is no time to waste. - Saturday Star
*Robbie hosts the morning drive show 6-9am weekdays on 702.