Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Willem Alberts believes execution rather than a confusing game-plan was at fault for South Africa's first loss in 10 years to England.
The Springboks lost their first Test to England since 2006, going down 37-21 while Eddie Jones's side maintained their unbeaten run in 2016.
"I believe we came up with a good game-plan," Alberts said after the game.
"We simply couldn't enforce it in the first half because we were on the back foot. England kicked well and we tried to play in the wrong areas of the field. The battle for territorial ascendancy is always important, especially in wet conditions."
Alberts admitted England's ball handling were better than that of the Boks.
"We lost more possession than them," he said. "Ball retention is very important. We can't execute our game-plan without possession."
The loose forward, played out of position at openside flank rather the usual blindside, says South Africa must find a better balance between when the kick and when to run with the ball.
"With my return to the Bok setup the training sessions went well and the belief was definitely there. We are trying our best. Unfortunately we aren't converting our good play into points," Alberts added.
"You are always motivated when you put on a Springbok jersey and you accept the responsibility that comes with it. These are difficult times, but we will continue to work hard."
