Springboks strike back at criticism of conservative tactics

[ad_1]

South Africa has responded to criticism of their conservative tactics by insisting that they do not get the credit their success deserves.

The Springboks crushed the British and Irish Lions 27-9 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday to lead the series to a decisive, but the second test was an ugly spectacle dominated by forward rallies and brutal kicks.

Each half lasted over an hour due to relentless stoppages, the slow pace resulting from officials scrutinizing a multitude of decisions, and the ability of the world champions to dictate the speed of play.

New Zealand coach Ian Foster is among those unimpressed, saying the game put me to sleep and rivals are almost afraid to play, while even former Springboks boss Peter de Villiers has described the national team like very, very, boring.

It’s not bad for the game

But South African forward coach Deon Davids denies their sultry game plan is bad publicity for the game.

Not at all. It’s a spectacle. I think it’s fantastic. Rugby has always been a physical battle on the pitch, but also a battle where opponents try to outdo each other, whether on or off the pitch, Davids said.

The competitiveness and talent shown by both teams on the pitch is good for world rugby. And if we can continue to be competitive at this level and aspire to be better, then rugby in South Africa will improve.

The same narrative was there when the Boks won the 2019 championship. The same was there when they won the World Cup. It’s always the same story.

It is surprising that the effectiveness of this in terms of obtaining good results is not seen. There is always a plan behind everything.

When we do things, it’s not about being boring, it’s about understanding what we want to accomplish.

In doing so, we created enough opportunities to be able to play with the ball in hand and score tries.

I believe in our approach and what it leads us to. We’re just going to improve in terms of what we were doing.

Unsurprisingly, given their outright victory, Davids said South Africa was rather happy with the way the second test was refereed.

The verdict marks a significant departure from the build-up when rugby director Rassie Erasmus posted an extraordinary hour-long video criticizing officials’ performance a week earlier that could face World Rugby punishments.

The Springboks were spared the disciplinary consequences of Saturday’s grudge match, despite Cheslin Kolbes’ challenge against Conor Murray that appears to be a red card.

Only Lions mainstay Kyle Sinckler has been cited for an alleged biting incident.

We were quite happy with the process that was followed and that was implemented between the coaching staff and World Rugby, Davids said.

Whatever decision they make, we will trust this process and comply with it in the future. Whatever happens in the game, there is a painstaking process.

Number eight talisman Duane Vermeulen will train with the Springboks on Monday afternoon in a bid to prove he has recovered from an ankle injury in time for the team’s announcement on Tuesday.

[ad_2]