Glaring problems for Boks
MANY WOULD have felt that the return fixture in Mendoza for the Springboks should have been a mere formality after the dominant performance in Durban just a week before. However, a first- half blitz, and a fired up Pumas side, quickly put paid to that notion.
The Boks lost their third ever game to Argentina 32-19 in what can only be described as an embarrassing displayin fact, that was coach Rassie Erasmus’ own words:
“It was embarrassing and not the kind of performance you expect to see from the Springboks,” he said after the match.
What is especially heart-breaking for fans and the Boks alike is that this shock loss comes off the back of so much optimism about the fortunes of the Springboks being turned around. Now, however, the spotlight is suddenly on, the rose-tinted glasses off, and there are some glaring problems - and similarities.
Allister Coetzee’s tenure started off on a very similar vein in 2016. He won a series against Ireland at home, 2-1, then beat Argentina 30-23 in Nelspruit before losing to Argentina 26-24 in Salta.
The difference however is that Coetzee’s tenure was doomed before it had even started with his negotiations for the job not granted, whereas Erasmus as been given everything he needs, so, this means he has to fix things with no excuses permissible.
Under Erasmus, the Boks have not won an away game, and although they have only had two matches away from South African shores - a oneoff Test against Wales in the USA, and this latest Mendoza game - it is becoming a bit of a Springbok epidemic.
The Boks have won three out of 15 away Tests since the start of the 2016 season. This is highly concerning for a team that wants to be considered in the top three rugby nations on the planet, they can not simply capitulate when they don’t have everything their way.
Erasmus also made mention that he changed one player from the dominant Durban team and suddenly they were bullied and dictated to. It is nonsensical for that to happen and it must have a lot to do with the mental barriers the Boks have with playing away from home.
The next two Tests are even tougher, with Australia and New Zealand preparing to welcome the Boks to Australasia. The travel is tougher, the tour is longer, and the confidence will have taken a hit. The Boks cannot afford to get home sick for this upcoming tour.
Erasmus has said that he is building to the World Cup and will be using the Tests leading up to that competition to bolster his squad and blood some young talent. That mandate becomes extremely difficult once a team starts losing.
Erasmus needs to quickly find his best possible team and stick with them. A winning culture needs to come first before throwing in a heap of untested talent. To this end, there are reports that the coach may be putting out an S.O.S call to Duane Vermeulen in Japan. Oddly, the Boks, who were to physical to handle in Durban, were bullied in Mendoza, and with the likes of Cyle Brink and Jean-Luc du Preez not available to lead a bruising charge, Vermeulen may need to rush back to be the banner man of physicality for the Boks.
While the Boks’ forward pack is full of grizzled Test veterans, the back division has more flair and excitement than caps. Going forward, there is a scary amount of talent, but for a back division, there needs to be a defensive lynchpin.
Jacques Fourie was always well regarded as being a defensive organiser in the midfield, and that type of player is severely lacking from the Boks’ backline.
The way in which the Pumas poked holes at ease exposed a missing organiser who is experienced enough, and competent enough, to run the defence when things get loose.
There is a bye before the Boks head out to Australasia, and it will be interesting to see how much introspection and tinkering is done to change things up – or, in fact, if there will indeed be many changes at all, rather a focus on tightening things up.
What is clear is the honeymoon phase with Erasmus is over, and his mettle will know be tested.