Cape Town - The Springboks’ game style again became a big talking point at the recent Rugby World Cup.
The team appears to lack impetus on attack and it has come as no surprise that many pundits have called for the sacking of coach Heyneke Meyer.
We at Sport24 also feel the Springboks are ‘light-years’ away from the world champion All Blacks when it comes to creativity on attack and it was again evident in last Friday’s Bronze Final against Argentina in London.
One moment that summed up the Boks’ conservatism was in the 68th minute when they won a penalty.
The South Africans were leading 24-6 at the time and it was decided that Handre Pollard should have a shot a goal.
What?! A shot at goal?
Were they afraid of losing the game from that position? The crowd was right to boo the decision and we’ll admit we were not disappointed to see Pollard hit the posts with his penalty attempt.
Ironically, a minute later the Boks won another penalty and then decided to set up a lineout. Unfortunately, Pollard again "fluffed" the kick when he somehow failed to find touch, allowing Argentina to boot down-field and relieve pressure.
Leading 16-0 at the break against an injury-depleted Argentina side was the perfect opportunity to run the opposition ragged.
Instead, Los Pumas came out and won the second half 13-8 against a team which appeared to have no “spark” on attack.