Rugby Championship 2021 - The Finale

Springboks vs All Blacks (31-29)

When the first bomb left a South African boot after 36 seconds, sceptics suspected another aerial bombardment and a repeat of the previous week. However, the Springboks, having been stung globally by their style of play had made some midweek adjustments both in style of play and attitude. What transpired was a pulsating and captivating contest. The speed at which the Boks entered the arena suggested they were up for this! Body language seldom wrong.

After the initial bomb, line speed was the Boks weapon of choice. Backs rushed in line like rats out of a trap. The willingness of the All Blacks to move the ball wide regardless of field position made them easy targets and spilled ball resulted in the first Springbok try. What followed was a fierce and electric contest. On the world circuit it is widely agreed that you avoid a physical confrontation with Springbok forwards. Ian Foster may have question marks hanging over some of his forwards? Having said that their ability to re-load against the driving maul was admirable; watch how quickly they got back to re-engage.

In contrast the skill level and awareness of certain All Black backs is of the highest quality and when ball was retained, scores followed. Quickness of mind and fast twitch reaction saw Reece and Weber score in the blink of an eye.

Team mobility and quickness followed and Savea scored a beauty under the posts. A try worthy of any coaching library.

Neutral observers thought the storm had been weathered and the outcome inevitable…. wrong!

In the second stanza the Boks took control, building pressure through possession and field position, interspersed with some previously unseen quick hands passing.

We waited for the All-Black comeback, but their forwards were struggling, and the Boks were relentless and mentally strong. The Boks replacements added to the ferocity. The All-Black changes saw world class players enter the fray, but the pressure met them face on! Coming on when you are 20 points ahead is one thing, under massive pressure another?

The lead changed hands 4 times in the last 5 minutes. There was a sense of Déjà vu when Jordie Barrett put the Blacks ahead BUT the Boks never succumbed. The drama unrelenting and the penalty outcome sent half the crowd into a state of delirium, the other half numb.

So, what’s the conclusion?

• When the Boks get the balance right between forwards and back play, they are a potent and intimidating force.
• The All Blacks have some vulnerability, maybe in forwards selection? The backs are fluid both in selection, performance and depth.