The Springboks might have fallen after the first salvo was fired and their trenches stormed, but there is no reason to believe that the war has been lost – not yet, anyway.
The Boks lost the first Test to the British and Irish Lions 22-17 on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium. It would be easy to blame the officiating, the Covid-19 disruptions and the lack of time to prepare, but if we are honest the South Africans just weren’t good enough, especially in the second half. They controlled the game with maturity during the first 40 minutes, and were calm and collected, but the relentless pressure, physicality and pin-point accuracy in the second stanza by the Lions resulted in the Bok effort crumbling before our eyes.
Nevertheless, there was just enough to insist that when the second Test kicks off this weekend, also at Cape Town Stadium, we should see a vastly improved effort from the men in green and gold. They have now had a proper sniff of Test rugby after almost two years out in the cold, and coach Jacques Nienaber will have a better understanding of what is required to overturn the 1-0 deficit and claim an all-important victory.
This past weekend’s match was a proper Test, something that will strengthen both squads. But make no mistake, it is going to be a tough week for the team.
They are on the backfoot, and the vitriol and banter of losing the first encounter will remind them constantly of that fact. The team will have to close ranks, and use every opportunity to improve themselves. They are World Cup winners, and if any team can turn things around, it is this squad that is packed with champions.
Working on their discipline, decision-making, game management and match fitness will therefore be of the utmost importance if they are to return to the scene of the defeat and take the three-match Test series by the scruff of the neck.
South Africans are arguably one of the most durable and resilient nations on the planet – this Saturday the Boks can expose that characteristic and return us to winning ways once again.
The Star