4 hours ago International Rugby Springboks achieve World Rankings record after wrapping up 3-1 series win
Having wrapped up a 3-1 victory in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series following their emphatic 43-28 win over the All Blacks in B…
Jon Newcombe
13 Sep 2026, 0:12
I’m amazed Jorgo did not get man of the match. He was outstanding as usual in both attack and defence.
We are lacking in-contact punch in the forwards unfortunately and in defence, we still lack team cohesion when the ball goes wide.
FMR summed it up with his response, when asked what he prefers, “attack or defence”. We just do not look purposeful and we lack intensity in defence, and that is what will cost us matches against the top opposition. We had a brief period (just 1 test match actually) under Schmidt, where our boys showed deliberate heads up intensity in defence. Since there, it’s been “coffee with cream please” in defence intensity unfortunately with no one on their toes. It’s been this way for so long, I’m wondering if anyone in the coaching group is actually giving a stuff about it to be honest.
How about watch the AB’s and SA in defence to see the fierceness and focus they have, then look to replicate.
Or is that too much to ask….?
With you on this one. No visible difference since the Kiss regime, no line speed, no urgency, no sting. A massive work on if actually want to match it with the top 5 teams.
It would be good if our forwards would actually get into the ruck instead of leaving Tate to have to pretend he’s a ruck busting prop