The Boks completed their three test series with a not so convincing 26-0 victory over a 3rd string Italian side. The match started of with a bang when Frans Steyn scored a telling trying after a brilliant run by the Ha-burner. The match looked promising from the start but slowly faded as we started playing to the Azzurri rhythm. The Boks handling skills were pathetic, no need to blame it on the wet conditions. Our line outs were not so great and the scrummaging was again suspect. Kicking for touch was very bad, an area that will get us punished especially if you are playing against the AB with their brilliant backs that will counter attack us to death.
Other areas of play that i noticed was that with Schalla on in the 2nd half, there was immediate action on the side of the scrum. Not to take anything away from Fluke Watson, sorry, Luke Watson, he's been playing more of an 8th man game, which leaves the breakdowns not so taken care of, an aspect that Schalla is dominant. With the breakdown general, Lt Richard Hugh Mccaw sidelined for the coming 6 weeks, lets hope the Boks would be able to capitalise on that area.
Also Frans Sten is not a no10, at least not as yet. He did better at 15 (especially in wet condtions). I guess he needs to get used to the position, but do we really have the time to allow him to adjust....with the journey down under in 2 weeks time? Our scrum is suspect. We dont have a quality tighthead and CJ is really on the wrong side of the scrum. We also need to work on our handling skills in the wet conditions otherwise we are gonna get punished down under.
However there were some positives in the Newlands game. Our mauling and driving was good, resulting in two tries by the Bismark Du Plessis. Ricky was outstanding at scrum half, especially with his defensive play, although his kicking game found hin wanting at time. We didnt see much of Kanko before he got injured. Big Joe had a fine performance off the bench. Habana is still lethal and Matfield is not only a line out thief, but a hard-working horse on defence. Man mountain Bakkies is still an abrasive and dirty player. Juan Smith has shown to be a classic blind side flank, perhaps the best blind-side flank in the world at the moment. The Beast had a good game, especially on the lose and his scrummaging has vastly improved.
Overall, after 3 test matches, the boks at least have shown what Champions should be evidence for, winning a game even though they played badly. What matters is the back to back victories. We need to start instilling that winning culture. Also one could argue that the match against the Boks were a bit complacent against the Azzuri and hence their showing. Tri Nation is a different ball game and there's no room for it.
Well at least thats my 2 cents (maybe 4 cents with inflation. What are your thoughts?Please post them through on the comments section.
Well for some of us with season tickets, we are looking forward to August 18 at Newlands for the Boks's clash with the highly fancied AB, the world's best Chokers.
After all, we are the World Champions!!!!!!!!Go Bokke!!!
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