Tri-Nations
Boks 'out of control'
2010-08-23 11:30
Peter de Villiers (Gallo)
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Johannesburg - The world champion Springboks are not in good health and the South African Rugby Union will be bonkers if Peter de Villiers remains in charge.
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That much is the opinion of New Zealand critics following the three Tri-Nations defeats the Boks suffered against the All Blacks this year - the latest being the 29-22 loss at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
"Coach De Villiers lacks the authority to clean out the old guard and make tactical changes. He is groping in the dark, and his latest backline was too lightweight for the modern rugby battle. Their battle plan is confused," wrote Chris Rattue on the NZ Herald website.
"The All Blacks were magnificent, nullifying South Africa's famed home advantage and finishing them off with two late tries that should rank high in any memory that can cope with the cluttered modern day Test schedule.
"As for the Springboks, they are in even bigger trouble than we thought. If that's the best the world champs can come up with in a home colosseum while celebrating John Smit's century of Tests, then they are indeed one large tank skidding out of control down one very steep hill.
"Luckily for their World Cup opponents, South Africa's rugby administrators are so immature that a few rough on-field decisions get them barking about quitting a multimillion-dollar broadcasting deal they've only just extended," he continued.
Rattue and other NZ critics, are of the opinion the Boks may improve when influential scrumhalf Fourie du Preez returns, although Francois Hougaard was lively on Saturday.
They believe the calm Du Preez should be the logical captaincy replacement for the fading Smit.