So we were geared for revenge, ready to go out there and hurt the Kiwis for what they did to us in the first game. We wanted our boys to show a little bit of grit in our Vodacom Tri-Nations title defence. We wanted to win it for Madiba’s birthday, for some national pride and all of a sudden, 40 minutes later, we were 13 – 7 down at half time to an All Blacks side that only had 14 and a half men on the field (if you include an uncharacteristic Dan Carter performance) Had Mr. Carter not left his kicking boots at home the scoreline could have been a lot worse! 31 – 17 at the final whistle was not exactly what we were hoping for…

Here’s ol’ Jan’s take on what happened not just this weekend, but of our little trip to New Zealand. It starts at the ruck with Ricky Januarie, unfortunately he just hasn’t stepped up coming in for Fourie. We have really missed our first choice number 9 so far! Even so, I saw huge difference when Ruan came on and it makes me wonder why he wasn’t starting from the beginning. I know people have been calling for Ricky’s head after the first test but I believe in the coach and Springbok backroom staff and generally won’t argue, but this week showed me clearer than ever.

Another selection headache at the moment seems to be on the wings, who do we start? Gio Aplon staked his claim on the weekend and will no doubt start against the Aussies but is this due to injuries or merit?

We have more headaches after team selection though, and that’s tactics. Do the Springboks play a more attractive, attacking brand of rugby. Fluid moving forward but more vulnerable on the counter. Or do we focus on defence, on not conceding? Judging by these last two games I would have to say the first option. We have to score more tries, and that is the bottom line. We have scored two tries in two games and that I am afraid is not good enough boys.

Kom manne, you are the pride of a nation, we know you have it in you to do better than this. When you step out onto the field against those Aussies let’s show them what we are made of!