Nienaber points out the cracks Boks need to fix
REACTION: South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber admitted there are minor cracks that emerged during the 24-13 win over Argentina on Saturday.
The Springboks outscored the Los Pumas two tries to one in the World Cup warm-up match at Estadio Jose Amalfitani in Buenos Aires.
Though the Boks were on the right side of the scoreline, a troubling first half – which included being held up over the tryline twice – saw them trailing 3-10 at the break.
However, tries by wings by Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half turned the tide and saw the visitors race clear.
#⃣REACTION: @Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber admitted he has some ‘tough decisions’ to make before naming #SouthAfrica‘s @rugbyworldcup squad on #Tuesday 🏆#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌏
🔗https://t.co/M1rGCADzan pic.twitter.com/MVwq3fSV4r— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) August 6, 2023
Speaking to reporters in the wake of the match, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber conceded that the conversion rate was the talking point during the break.
“At halftime, we had the discussion that we are getting opportunities but just not converting them,” Nienaber said.
“We had two chances where we went over the line but were held up which was great defence by Argentina. They were very smart and clever with that.
“Not taking those chances can sometimes deflate you, but during the week the team made a pact to back each other and that is what they did.
“The missed opportunities didn’t drain the energy, they kept it up. That is why in the first 10 minutes of the second half we converted and got points even with the yellow card [to Franco Mostert in the 36th minute].”
#⃣OPINION: @King365ed rates the @Springboks players after their 24-13 win over @lospumas in #BuenosAires on #Saturday 🏅#Rugby🏉#RugbyUnion 🌏#ARGvsRSA 🇦🇷V🇿🇦
🔗https://t.co/RknN76v9IP pic.twitter.com/lir2jTa0Ck— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) August 5, 2023
Aside from not converting their first-half chances, the Boks struggled with discipline. They conceded 13 penalties, while a yellow to Mostert in the first half highlighted the troubling area.
Nienaber admitted it’s an aspect of the game that needs attention as the World Cup looms.
“Sometimes you will concede penalty because you contest and you get it wrong.
“However, it’s the avoidable penalties like not rolling away, that I feel we have to limit in terms of the World Cup.
“I think the World Cup will be so close and tight and any team can beat any team on any given day, therefore discipline will be the key going into the 2023 tournament [next month].”
Nienaber names his 33-man Springboks squad – and five stand-by players – on Tuesday in Johannesburg.
