The Wallabies’ ill-discipline and lack of mental toughness in their 29-17 loss to South Africa raises major doubts over their ability to compete away from home, the Australian press said on
Monday.
The Australians lost three players to the sin bin and were penalised heavily for indiscretions as the Springboks went eight points clear of New Zealand in the series standings.
The Wallabies’ wretched loss follows defeat to the All Blacks last month when they frittered away an early 13-3 lead to go down 22-16 in Auckland.
”Vital areas of the Australian game were so dreadful that it made one ponder if this team, who appear short of mental toughness and composure, will ever get it together and learn how to win away
Tri-Nations games with any regularity,” the Sydney Morning Herald said.
”Auckland three weeks ago was the wasted opportunity. Cape Town was just a waste.”
The Daily Telegraph said the Wallabies handed victory to the Springboks.
”The Wallabies were left lamenting their same old Tri-Nations story after handing victory to South Africa on a silver platter in Cape Town,” it said.
”The Wallabies never looked comfortable against the intense pressure of the Springboks and their simple but effective kick-chase-bash game plan.
”Compounding the discipline problem, Australia’s lineout was routed by South Africa — losing nine of its own throws — which made it impossible to build any pressure or points in South African territory.”
The Australian newspaper said the Wallaby defeat, although expected, was still a heavy blow.
”Why is it, now that grim expectation of what might happen in the Cape Town Test has given way to the harsh reality of a 29-17 defeat, that this result sits so heavily in the pit of the stomach? How can an outcome so anticipated rankle so badly?” it said.
”Maybe it’s because it wasn’t just the outcome that was anticipated but also the manner in which it would most likely be achieved. Forewarned should have meant forearmed.”
Australia’s next match in the Tri-Nations is against the All Blacks in Sydney on August 22. – AFP
