For a match in which fans were expected to see a spectacle of running rugby, the Springbok XV versus World XV at Ellis Park was a disappointment for many fans who spent up to R300 on their tickets.
The Springboks won 30-27 after building a 15-11 lead at the break.
But what was supposed to be a try-scoring festival turned into an uneventful game determined by penalties, particularly for the Springboks.
While Springbok coach Jake White will not be ecstatic about his team’s performance, the game would have served as the perfect opportunity to point out areas of their game that need attention before their first Test match against Scotland in Durban next Saturday — especially in his first-choice player combinations.
Both teams struggled to get into second gear, but the World XV managed to score two tries to none by the home team, who crossed the line twice, only to have the tries disallowed by referee Tappe Henning.
Henning clearly must have thought that the crowd had paid exorbitant amounts of money to watch him blow his whistle in his farewell appearance — and he did not let them down. He awarded a remarkable 36 penalties in the match, whether they were necessary or not.
In fact, all the Springboks’ points came courtesy of nine penalties by fullback Percy Montgomery and a single long-range penalty by left wing Gaffie du Toit at the stroke of half time.
The first half in particular was extremely uneventful, with the most exciting occurrence being a try by World XV scrumhalf and captain Justin Marshall from a driving maul.
The Springboks managed to secure a narrow four-point lead at half-time (15-11) despite failing to penetrate the visitors’ defence.
The game opened up somewhat in the second half with both teams trying to use their initiative on attack and run more with ball in hand. This was evident when Bruce Reihana scored a scintillating try from a cross-kick by flyhalf Carlos Spencer just five minutes into the half.
This try, however, could have been prevented if Montgomery had pushed Reihana out shortly upon collecting the ball.
To the visitors’ delight, they managed to leave the Springbok tryless.
Dwyer and Marshall were pleased the team’s performance after the game, particularly the defence.
But they admitted that the Springboks were still far from the classy outfit they proved to be over the past two years.
Dwyer also criticised Henning for awarding the home team a few penalties that should not have been allowed — penalties that had cost them a victory or even a draw.
He singled out the Springboks’ match-winning penalty in front of posts as an example and said Henning made a mistake. He defended Henning, saying he probably took his eyes off the ball for a second.
The Springboks will no doubt have to lift their game next week for the game against Scotland. But fortunately for White, some of his top players — such as hooker and captain John Smit — will be back in action. — Sapa