So the Boks successfully managed to clinch a victory over the Lions in the first test in Durban, the final score being 26 - 21. But of course no one can ignore our poor play in the last 25 minutes. We dominated in the first half, going into the break leading by 19 points to seven. We dominated at the lineouts, the scrums and at the breakdowns. Heinrich Brussow in particular was superb. I'd also like to add that I'm happy to say that Ruan Pienaar proved me wrong, playing excellently (apart from his 2 knock-ons). Even his goal-kicking was good, which I don't think I've ever said about Pienaar. Fans Steyn played poorly and proved his lack of ability to be fullback. What I think wouldn't be too bad a combination to try out is Olivier with Devilliers at centres, with Jaque Fourie at fullback. I say this because Adi Jacobs looks like he's back to his old self; foiling opportunities and wasting possession. Bryan Habana was also incredibly average, not creating a single opportunity of even partially exciting the crowd. JP Pietersen was average but was superb on defence, making many crucial tackles to stunt the Lions' momentum. Fourie DuPreez had the worst game of his life. Constant errors and poor judgement, deffinately not like him. January too had a shocker, even in the short amount of time he played. Jano Vermaak should have made the Bok squad over him. All-in-all the forwards were very good. Beast absolutely dominating at the scrums and Matfield being a real nuisence to the Lions' line-outs. The whole back-row played well, especially Brussow, and as soon as he went off it all went pair-shaped.After about 55 minutes of dominating we really battled and didn't even look like troubling the Lions. Why is this? Simple: Whenever we get the ball we kick the possession away, hence the final possession count being 68% to 32% to the Lions. We never tried to make a hard run which is a huge problem in South African rugby. It seemed like almost every time the ball was given to the backs it would be kicked away. Not once did we play more than five phases, the lions did 7 times and they scored more tries then us, and Jones missed 2 penalties. There are too many Sharks players in the backline that shouldn't be there, because this is what ruined the Sharks Super 14 and if the Boks play like this, it will cost us dearly. Morne Steyn needs to be the starting fly-half, with Pienaar on the bench. DeVilliers and Fourie or DeVilliers and Olivier should be the centers, and maybe try JP Pietersen at fullback, putting Nokwe on the wing with Habana. This would be a much more threatening backline and when Morne Steyn does kick, he kicks cleverly, a thing only Pienaar did this game. Now yes Juan Smith had a great game, but I'm telling you Kankowski would be great against a team like the Lions. MAybe it should be considered to put him in at number 7. Imagine, Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski partners! That is a dream team! Then Schalk Burger or Brussow at flank, the amazing combo of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha! Wow! The Lions wouldn't smell the ball at the breakdowns. All-in-all I'd say I blame the rustiness for what happened, and am quite confident that we should win the next test comfortably. Well done to Beast for getting man of the match.
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