Non-South Africa fans making same observation after Ellis Park loss

South Africa’s 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park prompted a wave of reaction from rugby fans and pundits alike, with many observers making the same damning assessment of the Springboks’ performance.

Despite dominating at scrum time and leading 13-12 at the break, the hosts unravelled in the second half as New Zealand ran in five tries to one to seize a 1-0 lead in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

RugbyPass writer Ben Smith was quick to point out South Africa’s deficiencies: “All Blacks 33-16. Five tries to one. Boks had nothing but a scrum. Two yellows with 10 to go, well deserved. Under pressure and infringing on the try line. Grant Williams and Sacha no control. 1-0. On to Cape Town to try wrap it up.”

Martin Gillingham wrote: “Springboks imploding. Their citadel has crumbled. Fancy they’ll come back in the weeks to come but this, in the end, is a humiliation. Dave Rennie’s impact is bearing immediate fruit.”

One rugby fan wrote: “All Blacks are humbling the Springboks”; another that “The Springboks have imploded and not in a good way.”

Even hardened Bok fans conceded that their side had taken a pummelling: “All Blacks have fully deserved this. Boks humbled at Ellis Park,” wrote one South African fan, another noting: “Springboks having a complete meltdown, it’s sad to watch.”

There was also a lot of criticism for halfback pair Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Grant Williams, who failed to fire against the New Zealanders.

One irate Springboks fan wrote: “Rassie you took too long to sub our 9 & 10, we didn’t convert inside their 22 especially that scrum in their 5m, too many handling errors, our backline wasn’t firing at all. I thought we had them first half with our physical dominance. We need our Captain [Siya Kolisi] back this was kak.”

Fans were also dismayed at the Boks’ inability to convert 22 entries into points, the home side managing just 0.9 points per entry into the All Blacks 22.

“We deserve this. You don’t get into the 22 that many times, fail to convert those chances, and still expect to win. At some point, you have to take your chances and put the game to bed…”

SA journalist Brendan Nel wrote: “Rassie said it this week, you are only as good as your last game. This was embarrassing as a result. This was terrible from the Boks. Well done All Blacks – 5 tries to 1. An emphatic result. Advantage New Zealand.”

Former Bok turned broadcaster Cobus Wiese noted: “Wake-up call for the Boks! You simply can’t argue with 5 tries to 1 and we looked vulnerable under pressure.”