A year out from defending their World Cup crown, South Africa looked in disarray when they completed a dismal Tri-Nations campaign with a 41-39 defeat against Australia on Saturday.
It was the Springboks’ fifth defeat in six matches and condemned them to last place in the tournament behind New Zealand and Australia.
Most worrying for the Springboks was the way a young Wallabies team ripped their defence apart in scoring four tries within 17 minutes in the first half. Australia added another try in the second half.
South Africa conceded 22 tries during their campaign, the most they have given up since the Tri-Nations started in 1996, and twice as many as they conceded in each of the previous two seasons.
For a team which prides itself on aggressive defence — an attribute which was a key factor when they won the World Cup in 2007 — it raised uncomfortable questions about the wisdom of keeping together the core of that team.
The side that took the field on Saturday boasted 750 caps between them — more than any previous Springbok team.
As the young Wallabies ran them ragged in the first half, the Springboks suffered the rare experience of being booed by a home crowd, with wing Bryan Habana, one of the stars of 2007, being singled out.
Habana continued in the poor form he has shown for much of the season and was replaced soon after half-time.
‘Structures in place’
Although the evidence of recent months suggests some radical re-thinking may be necessary, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers insisted that the right systems were in place for success in the World Cup.
“If you look at how we started this one, I think we showed character to come back. Our structures are in place and they can take us to the World Cup if executed properly. If we execute our plans perfectly, it will be very difficult to score against us,” said De Villiers.
Captain John Smit, who was playing in his 101st Test amid suggestions from some critics that he may be past his best by next year, said the team needed to take a long, hard look in the mirror.
“We have only ourselves to blame,” he said.
The Springboks have a two-month break from international rugby before undertaking a Grand Slam tour of Britain at the end of the year.
Smit is among a host of senior players likely to be rested, which will give some younger players a chance to stake a claim for World Cup places.
While the Springboks could expect plenty of criticism from a success-hungry public and media, the win provided respite for Australia coach Robbie Deans as young backs like James O’Connor, Drew Mitchell and Quade Cooper showed their class.
New Zealander Deans had a rocky start after taking the Australian job but hailed the resilience of his players.
“It will serve us well going forward,” he said.
The Wallabies fly home on Sunday to prepare for the final Tri-Nations match of the season, against the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday.
New Zealand have already clinched the title. – AFP