Middelburg Observer
Springboks on top in the Land Down Under
Despite a renewed sense of optimism in the Australian camp, the Wallabies proved they are a ways off the upper echelons of world rugby, as they limped to a dismal 33-7 defeat to Siya Kolisi and Co.
New Australian head coach Joe Schmidt had begun his era on a positive note, with two wins against Wales and another victory versus Georgia, but this record-equalling loss to the Springboks may have dampened more than a few Aussie spirits.
As hosts of the next world cup, the Wallabies were hoping to judge themselves against the world’s best, with the New Zealand born Schmidt charged with bringing the country from a period mediocrity and disappointment, to something reminiscent of the legendary Australian sides of yesteryear.
In spite of the rout, the result certified that this Wallabies outfit is one in the midst of transition, with time being the greatest asset they hold in their clutches.
South Africa on the other hand, seem spoilt for choice.
Rassie Erasmus opted for a familiar lineup that offered a wealth of experience, both within the starting lineup and off the bench. Chief among the arsenal was local rugby hero Kwagga Smith.
However, a select few fresh faces were entrusted to make their mark in the opening game of this year’s Rugby Championship campaign.
22-year-old Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was thrusted into the starting XV for the first time in his burgeoning career, with the flyhalf having sufficiently proved his worth in exhilarating cameo appearances thus far. The Stormers star was also handed the Boks’ kicking duties, which has been viewed as a poison chalice to which only Handré Pollard possesses the cure.
The other eager novice was eight man Elrigh Louw, who has impressed the coaching staff enough to be given the opportunity to step onto the pitch as the part of the starting second row.
It was made apparent from the off that South Africa were looking to make a slight change in their tactical approach, with phase upon phase of forward play replaced with swift passing moves that looked to stretch the opposition’s defence.
South Africa were still heavily reliant on their expertise at breakdowns, with the Boks awarded a penalty after 5 minutes, with the Australians failing to roll away from the ruck.
Early on, Feinberg-Mngomezulu confidently stepped up for an attempt at goal, rightfully so, as the he boasted a career 100 percent conversion rate for the Springboks. But his perfect record would soon evaporate, after a horrible sliced kick that ventured far to the left of the uprights.
The Springboks superiority in possession was finally rewarded with points on the scoreboard, as captain Kolisi jotted the ball over the white line from a powerful maul. A classic South African set play routine that the Australians had no answer for.
This allowed Feinberg-Mngomezulu to atone for his earlier miss, thankfully, he dutifully stepped up to the mark, earning his side a bonus two points.
This instilled a new sense of self belief in Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who then broke through the lines of the Australian defence, setting South Africa up for another try.
Unfortunately, Willie le Roux intervened, with the fullback ignoring the two men on his right and deciding to turn inside into traffic, halting momentum and giving the Aussies ample time to recover.
The Wallabies would continue to withstand the South African onslaught, but they would falter, as Pieter-Steph du Toit would soon glide over the try line, capping off a well worked move. Feinberg-Mngomezulu would convert once again, extending the lead to 14.
The Springboks would continue to apply pressure, as Feinberg-Mngomezulu would launch a audacious reverse chip that came dangerously close to South Africa’s third try. Despite the zealous pleas from le Roux to determine whether he manged to put ball to ground before exiting play, the replays verified the referee’s initial ruling that the ball was out.
A few minutes later, to compound the Wallabies misery, winger Andrew Kellaway was rightfully sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on Cobus Reinach.
South Africa would soon take advantage of their superior numbers, with Kurt-Lee Arendse dancing his way to five points.
No one claimed responsibility for the dazzling winger, with Arendse meeting zero resistance as he scored the easiest try of his career. This was the lowest point of the match for the Aussies, as the defending
