VIDEO: 'We only have ourselves to blame'
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok players were not on the same page during Saturday’s series decider against Ireland in Durban.
That is the view of captain Siya Kolisi when he spoke to the media after the match.
The visitors levelled the two-Test series 1-1 after recording a dramatic 25-24 victory at Kings Park.
It went down to the wire with replacement flyhalf Ciaran Frawley landing a last-gasp drop-goal after the Boks fought their way back after being 6-16 down at half-time.
The Springboks failed to score a try in the match with Handre Pollard contributing eight penalty goals.
The Boks also lost Willie le Roux to concussion after just two minutes and lock Franco Mostert was replaced in the 17th minute after he suffered a “knock to the knee”.
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“The way we started wasn’t ideal,” said Kolisi.
“It was completely different to last week and they were setting the tone for the game.
“However, the guys that came on [from the bench] definitely made a difference and I thought we took the opportunities when we had them.
“They [Ireland] are a good team and they were always going to fight back and we knew the motivation they had behind them as it was their last game of the season.
“There is so much we can improve on as a group. As individuals, we are going to look at ourselves.
Kolisi added: “It always hurts when you lose a game and it’s how we lost as well.
“We only have ourselves to blame for the way we started. We were not on the same page or we weren’t firing at exactly the same time.
“We would’ve loved to win a series at home. The people have been amazing coming to the games and supporting us.
“We are hurting but not dead. We will come back and fight again going forward.”
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Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said Ireland showed why they are one of the world’s best teams.
“We would’ve loved to beat them,” said the coach.
“But this was like the past four games we have played against them – all the margins have been less than one score – but the main concern was that first half.
“They were really good in that first half and at the end, it was a really good drop-goal.
“It was well-executed, and we couldn’t stop that.
“I thought we fought back really well in the second half, but it wasn’t good enough and that is why Ireland is one of the top teams in the world.”
@rugby365com
