Why didn't the Springboks take the shot?
Questionable game management in the dying stages has once again reared its ugly head for the Springboks.
After late-game execution cost them against the All Blacks in Pretoria, this time it was late-game decision-making that induced head-scratching in the 12-11 loss to England at Twickenham.
After 20 phases with possession down inside England’s 22, two minutes left on the clock, trailing by one point, the Springboks not only failed to attempt a drop goal, it didn’t seem to be in the thought process at all.
Owen Farrell’s controversial tackle has become the central talking point following the match, taking away from the fact that Springboks have proven once again they don’t handle pressure-cooker late-game situations well.
Incredibly, the Springboks’ last three tests have been decided in the final play and they have come away with one win.
A miraculous rush tackle by Aphiwe Dyantyi that caused Damian McKenzie to spill the ball in Wellington papered over the details in a frantic final two-minute period in the stunning upset over the All Blacks.
It was quickly forgotten how Francois Louw inexplicably dropped the ball cold on halfway with sixty seconds remaining, giving the All Blacks a lifeline to begin with. Handre Pollard then botched an exit kick, giving them another line out from five-metres out. If not for the All Blacks’ own mismanagement and Dyantyi’s clutch play, that game would have been given away as well.
In Pretoria, the Springboks conceded a holding-on penalty that Richie Mo’unga hammered over 60-metres into the corner. A review of the moments preceding that penalty will reveal a wild offload by RG Snyman and poor decision-making by reserve halfback Embrose Papier that left a runner on the next phase isolated.
For all the brilliance of Handre Pollard’s Twickenham performance, his non-involvement at the crucial moments left an opportunity begging. When the final moment was there to bring South Africa home, there was no one stepping up to plate.
It was a shrinking failure made all the more disappointing because both Elton Jantjies and Pollard’s sublime work in the lead up had been the catalyst for a potential last-minute game-winner.
Jantjies, in particular, had come on and immediately sparked the side into life, attacking with fearlessness. That same fearlessness disappeared when it mattered most, backing away from the chance to be the hero.
By the 8th phase, they were into England’s 22. By the 12th phase, they were down to the 11, just to the left of the sticks. All that was needed was one more carry and a shot.
Instead, the next couple of wayward phases left Pollard tackled, isolated, and in danger of getting turned. Jantjies and Pollard combined on a switch play with nothing else on, losing ground and nearly the ball.
Two phases back to the left through the forwards had re-earned the Springboks a position for another titanic ending. Jantjies is in the pocket but starts to walk away, uninterested in the three.
Pollard also looks uninterested in taking little more than a 22-metre chip shot from point blank.
Both keep pushing out left. There is no communication, no urgency and no call for the ball with 90 seconds left in the match. Neither player also seems to be providing direction to the side, leaving reserve halfback Embrose Papier to call the shots and distribute play from the ruck.
From 11-metres out, right in front, the Springboks instead play three runners around the corner towards the left edge off Papier, moving further and further away from the posts.
After only one try in nearly eighty minutes from both sides, what is to be gained by playing phase after phase when you just had two clear opportunities to ice the game?
On the 20th phase, Lood de Jager is stripped by Owen Farrell and loses the ball. Pollard and Jantjies don’t take two legitimate chances to snap a simple dropkick and steal the match.
Given the run of Springboks late-game calamities, the third in a row has highlighted a disturbing lack of late-game composure under pressure. There are questions about the on-field leadership that need to be asked following this collective stage fright. The Springboks need an honest review of this tape and take the learnings forward – it is better to take the shot and miss than not attempt one at all.
After benefitting first-hand from the same situation just weeks ago, it is astounding they didn’t know what to do, and that neither flyhalf wanted to step up and take the moment.
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to comments