Japanese Coach Eddie Jones on Springboks’ Loss: “Their Intensity Was Unsustainable”
- South Africa surrendered a 22-0 lead to lose 38-22 to Australia at Ellis Park, their first home defeat there in 14 years
- Japanese coach Eddie Jones said Australia’s resilience and James O’Connor’s composed play forced South Africa to change their approach
- Briefly News spoke exclusively to rugby analyst Robert Gill, who said the loss was due to lapses in focus and execution, with discipline as crucial as skill
Japanese head coach Eddie Jones has provided his analysis on what led to the Springboks' unexpected defeat against Australia on Saturday, 16 August, at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
Despite a commanding 22-0 lead, South Africa succumbed to a 38-22 loss, their first at Ellis Park since 1963 and their first home defeat in 14 years.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones observed that South Africa's initial intensity was unsustainable. He noted,
"You almost need to consolidate after that period, then your bench comes on, and you consolidate again." Jones also commended Australia's resilience, highlighting James O’Connor's performance as instrumental in their comeback.
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Local rugby analyst offers a different view
In contrast, local rugby analyst Robert Gill spoke exclusively to Briefly News, offering a different perspective.
Gill emphasised that the Springboks' inability to maintain focus contributed significantly to their downfall. He remarked,
"The first half was good-quality rugby, but the second half was disappointing. Please, make it make sense. Is it a lack of focus? A lack of management style? Is it just players being too cocky?"
He added that the breakdowns in execution were costly.
“Even when ahead, they were critical of themselves, too focused on perfection rather than playing their rugby. Australia capitalised immediately, scoring three relatively simple tries early in the second half. It wasn’t a case of brilliant set pieces; they were just sharper, faster, and ready to pounce.”
Gill concluded that for the Springboks, maintaining discipline and following the plan is just as vital as individual skill, especially when defending a lead against a hungry opponent.
Source: Getty Images
Coach Rassie Erasmus names squad for game against Wallabies
On Monday, 18 August, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus announced major injuries, with captain Siya Kolisi set to be sidelined for months due to a knee problem.
Erasmus then named a new-look squad to face Australia in Saturday's second round of the Castle Lager Rugby Championships at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
The squad for Saturday's game which will be led by Jess Kriel for the second time and vice-captained by Ox Nche for the first time in his international career. The team will also see the inclusion of Bok centurion Willie le Roux and the return of Cheslin Kolbe.
Eben Etzebeth makes history at Ellis Park
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks veteran Eben Etzebeth made history on Saturday at Ellis Park Stadium in the Rugby Championship clash against Australia.
The Boks, however, endured heartbreak after surrendering a commanding 22-0 lead to suffer a crushing 22-38 defeat.
It was their first loss to Australia at Ellis Park since 1963, and ended a 12-year unbeaten home run against the Wallabies.
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Source: Briefly News
