Eddie Jones has a 'simple' theory about why the Boks failed so badly

Japan head coach Eddie Jones has floated a theory as to why Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks failed so badly in their opening Rugby Championship game against the Wallabies at Ellis Park.

South Africa’s campaign was rocked on Saturday as they let a 22–0 lead slip in a dramatic 38–22 defeat to Australia.

It was the Wallabies’ first win at the venue since 1963, a six-try comeback that stunned a packed Johannesburg crowd.

The Boks had looked unstoppable in the opening quarter, with early tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi, and Manie Libbok adding the extras. At that point, few inside the ground gave the Wallabies a chance.

Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Eddie Jones said the warning signs were already there.

Fixture

Rugby Championship

South Africa

30 - 22

Full-time

Australia

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“I think South Africa probably wanted to play that way for the first 20 minutes, but the game is so intense now it’s hard to sustain that speed for longer. You almost need to consolidate after that period, then your bench comes on, and you consolidate again. Most games follow that natural flow – the first 20 minutes are intense, then there’s a middling 30 or 40, and the last 20 accelerates.”

Australia refused to fold and slowly took control of the contest. James O’Connor, back in the starting XV, steered them calmly, while tries from Dylan Pietsch, Harry Wilson (twice), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright sealed a famous victory.

“Credit to Australia, they stayed in the game. I thought O’Connor was really instrumental; calm, physical, didn’t overplay or chase the game. They got enough points to put South Africa under pressure, which forced South Africa to play differently. And that’s unusual for them,” Jones said.

Ellis Park had a carnival feel as the Boks raced ahead, but the Wallabies thrived once momentum shifted.

Jones even noted the unusual atmosphere.

“It was the first time I’ve ever heard La Bamba played at Ellis Park. It was almost like the marketing had taken over – a fun, festival atmosphere – and even the best teams can get seduced by that. South Africa have been one of the best sides in recent times, but they got drawn into that style of rugby and didn’t quite have the experience in their backline to pull it back.”

The veteran coach then laid out what he called his “20-minute theory.”

“The 20-minute theory is simple: you can’t play fast and furious rugby for longer than that. You look at one carry — you need two support players running great lines, doing their job at the breakdown. The accuracy and intensity of that is hard to repeat beyond 20 minutes. Of course, sometimes you can, but not consistently.

“In league, it’s one hit-up and that’s it. In rugby union, every carry requires multiple accurate, fast, disciplined support players, all under the referee’s judgment.”