Hits & Misses: Magnificent Marx & technical failures
OPINION: The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series wrapped up in Baltimore, USA with the Springboks producing a performance so fine that, in hindsight, it almost feels a tad insulting that many expected this tour to be a tight one.
At certain stages it certainly was, but the South Africans’ composure and adaptability and their ability to handle pressure and punish opposition mistakes allowed them to win most of the many battles within this war.
The 43-28 triumph at M&T Bank Stadium saw them clinch the series 3-1 and defeat their arch rivals three times on the trot for the first time since 2009.
After yet another title for the Springboks, we look at the highs and lows from the fourth and final Test of the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Hits:
Magnificent Marx’s Milestone
He is the world’s best hooker by some distance, and if there was any doubt, it has been duly erased during this series.
His score that put the Boks eight points in the clear just before he left the field saw him equal Bryan Habana’s record for the most tries scored against the All Blacks by a Springbok, and while it was his final contribution in the match, it was far from his only one.
He continued his otherworldly form as he pestered the All Blacks at the breakdown yet again, put in a massive shift on defence, and delivered another big display in the carries.
He might as well just have his maul tries trademarked at this point.
100 Tests of Growth and Innovation
It’s sometimes easy to forget about the guys who put it all together and pull the strings in the background when the players dazzle on the field, and while Rassie Erasmus isn’t a figure anybody in rugby is likely to forget about, nobody deserves more credit for the Springboks’ greatness than him.
The series-finale marked Erasmus’ 100th Test at the helm of Springbok rugby, and reaching his century in the final match of such a historic series is quite something.
During their second Nations Championship Test against Scotland, Erasmus also surpassed Jake White’s record of 54 Tests as Springbok coach.
Given Erasmus’ influence and the continued evolution of the Springboks under him, one can’t help but anticipate another world cup-winning campaign in Australia.
Brilliant Boks Claiming Yet another Title
Given the history between these two teams, unless either one emerged winless after four Tests, the result was never really going to be disastrous, whether it was 2-2 or 3-1 in either side’s favour.
While the Boks could be seen as the favourites given their global dominance, the All Blacks can never really be described as underdogs, and beating them in three consecutive Tests will always be a remarkable feat.
The way the South Africans came back after a disastrous performance in the opening Test was all kinds of impressive. Outplaying New Zealand by using their strengths, like the scrum, maul, aerial game, and physicality while also taking it to them in their own game by running the ball and playing with tempo at certain stages throughout the series added even more shine to their latest achievement.
They seem unstoppable with a little over 12 months to go until the next world cup.
Kurt-Lee Arendse’s Gamebreaker
The winger’s banger in Baltimore was reminiscent of the Springboks as a whole – you can never count him (them) out.
He may have been rather quiet at times, but this one performance showed how devastating he can be when given the opportunity.
The Bok winger was absolutely vicious in how he humiliated All Blacks defenders, with his final-quarter try putting the New Zealanders out of business as he took the score to 34-21.
A lot is always said about the All Blacks’ counter-attacking ability and how they can pounce on scraps, but Arendse was an highlights reel-worthy display in that regard.
What a moment.
Miss:
Radio Silence at M&T Bank Stadium
In the first half, referee Karl Dickson stopped the game as his communication equipment failed, cutting his audio contact with the television match official and assistants.
Play was halted for around 10 minutes, with players forced to wait on the field while officials attempted to resolve the problem.
How was something like that allowed to happen on such an occasion?
Reaction may not have been kind had a country of lessor stature had been given hosting rights to a neutral Test and the game was interrupted by technical failure in such a vital aspect of the game.
