Kiwi skills a major factor

Rudolph Jacobs

After the humiliating scoreline last weekend, former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers believes it’s the vastly superior skill-set of the All Blacks that is currently the major differentiating factor.

While South Africans are still in a state of shock after the humiliating 57-0 loss in Albany, certain aspects of the massive defeat should be put in context.

“If you dissect the game and look at the way New Zealand performed and looked at the ease at which they scored their tries – they didn’t have to work that hard to score them,” said De Villiers.

“They created opportunities and then had the skill-set to execute those opportunities. We also had our opportunities, but we couldn’t do the same. That’s the difference at the moment.”

De Villiers believes the All Blacks’ skills aren’t just a cut above among their backs, but their forwards can also pass and run like backs.

“We are progressing to this ball-in-hand game similarly to New Zealand and we want to take them on at their own game, but we are not there yet,” said De Villiers.

De Villiers also believes the two early tries the All Blacks scored were killer blows and then it just seemed to snowball.

“They were quick-thinking, seeing where the space was and having the skill to execute there,” he said.

“Up to that early stage we were in in the game but failed to capitalise on the chances we created.

“To recover from that and up against a team where you know you are up against it, is extremely difficult,” he said.

The following Springbok squad members have been released for Currie Cup duty: Damian de Allende (centre), Dillyn Leyds (utility back), Wilco Louw (prop, all Western Province), Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker), Dan du Preez (loose forward, both Sharks), Handre Pollard (flyhalf) and Rudy Paige (below, scrumhalf, both Blue Bulls).