The Springboks 39-20 defeat against the Wallabies can be summed up in one word- EISH! But seeing as I am required to write a bit more than "EISH!", let’s explore it in more detail.

“E” is for education. Springboks’ captain John Smit in a post match interview declared that this game was a learning curve for the team. In true SA Rugby fashion, Smit was quick to point out the positives including two consolation tries scored by Chiliboy Ralepelle and himself. Admittedly, these tries added some respectability to a dreadful score line, nevertheless there is no reason why the Springboks still shouldn’t hang their heads in shame.  

 

The fact that the captain and management are aware of their mistakes is somewhat reassuring; it proves that despite media reports they do have some idea of what’s going on. Naas Botha once said that you cannot play rugby without the ball, a lesson that Smit learnt on Saturday. “This experience shows that it’s easier when you keep the ball. When you don’t have the ball, it’s difficult. Our boys will also learn that things will not go well if you don’t stick to the defensive structures and plans. We will give this game a good look.”

 

“I” is without a doubt for identity crisis. The Springbok management continuously dismissed reports that they were fielding a “B” team. There is a very good reason that the majority of these players do not make the usual side. If this was an “A” team then it was an Under 13 A team in a school where hockey and soccer are the preferred sports. Coaches can’t do anything about the injuries but they can ensure that the new guys are not only the best from the available players but also know what they’re doing.

 

“S”... oh the many adjectives that begin with “S”! But let’s keep it clean and say that the “S” represents the shameful defence and attack that the Boks displayed. Considering their poor performance, I am honestly surprised that the Wallabies did not reach 50 points. The defending World Champions looked more like a group of headless chickens than a rugby team. The fact that a team misses over 20 tackles in one match just a few months before the World Cup should raise some serious concerns for the coaching staff. Smit alluded to the fact that they actually had a Plan A... unfortunately they desperately lacked a Plan B. I know the objective is not to have to rely on Plan B, but you should have one to avoid the embarrassment thatSouth Africa experienced on Saturday.

 

That brings us to our last letter, “H” which represents the heartbreak felt by the players and fans alike. We all hate to lose and let’s be honest, none of us are too happy when the Aussies win either. However, I have been assured that the guys are working tirelessly to ensure that they do not let us down again. I remain slightly sceptical considering the amount of injured players, so if all else fails, in the words of Allister Coetzee: There’s always the Currie Cup!