Springboks - The good and the bad

The Springboks were as predictable as expected from kick-off to close to the final whistle, unable to score a try, but in their one moment of creative magic, they scored a gem of a try to beat Wales and secure a semi-final spot.

Their win was a stark contrast to that of their semi-final opponents. While the Boks crashed and bashed and tried so little adventurous while grinding down Wales in their abrasive power game, New Zealand’s game-plan in  their demolition of France was the polar opposite, playing wide, passing, off-loading, and supporting, trying to run into space, with 23 players endeavouring to give expression to an imposing range of skills.

With their vastly differing strategic approaches to beating their opponents, it was mission accomplished for both teams though and their semi-final clash will be fascinating, not least of all for the efficacy and success of such contrasting tactical philosophies.

The best of the Springboks:

*     The genius of Fourie du Preez. Were it not for Du Preez, the Boks would be on their way back to South Africa.
*     Duane Vermeulen – not only for committing both Welsh blindside defenders before his brilliant pass that set up the winning try, but also or his 80-minutes of physicality and magnificent workrate on attack and defence.
*     Damian de Allende – he may be used as a basher as inside centre but he certainly succeeds in crossing the gainline and drawing defenders and providing go-forward ball.
*     Eben Etzebeth – as ferocious and formidable a lock as there is at the World Cup.
*     Bismarck du Plessis, whose contribution to the Bok performances is not always given requisite recognition.
*     Competing on opposition lineouts.
*     Strong scrummaging. Frans Malherbe could be the Bok tighthead for the next decade.
*     The physical intensity.
*     The character in staying so resolutely committed to their task under pressure when trailing.
*     Much of the defence as a team, with Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen’s tackle counts impressive.

The worst of the Springboks:

*     The predictability and lack of creativity. One moment of magic won the game; if only the Boks would be more ambitious and use their skills more often.
*     Poor ball retention in contact, too often.
*     Wayward kicking for position, including one from Du Preez that led to Wales scoring their try, one where Burger kicked on attack with players outside him, and others by Handre Pollard and Willie le Roux.
*     Le Roux’s vulnerability under the high ball, losing the ball in contact, and lack of distance using his left boot on the left touchline.
*     Committing too many goalable penalty infringements after a disciplined start to the game.

Can the Springboks power game of attrition beat the All Blacks creative game of skill? Or is that too simplistic a synopsis of the pending semi-final clash? We’ll find out at Twickenham next Saturday.