Boks looking in the mirror for solutions
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It was far from a perfect performance from the Springboks, but for Elrigh Louw it was day words can’t describe.
Louw made his Springbok debut against Wales this past Saturday.
The 22-year-old replaced Franco Mostert in the 51st minute, at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld stadium.
It was a very challenging introduction to Test rugby, with the Springboks trailing 10-18.
However, in pure Bok fashion, the famous Bomb squad – including Louw – entered the fray and denied Wales their first-ever victory on South African soil.
The Boks scored four tries in the second half to win the opening match of the three-Test series and hand Louw his memorable debut.
#⃣OPINION: @King365ed rates the #SouthAfrica players after their come-from-behind 32-29 win over @WelshRugbyUnion at #LoftusVersfeld in #Pretoria on #Saturday #Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion 🌍@Springboks 🏅#RSAvsWAL 🇿🇦V🏴
🔗https://t.co/AxmFlOARCP pic.twitter.com/clFkH3xx2i— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 2, 2022
“I don’t have any words, but it is a huge honour and a dream come true,” Louw said when asked about his first Test for the Boks.
“We were under loads of pressure when we came onto the field, but I feel the replacements added some energy and we gain loads of momentum and confidence.
“I knew exactly what was needed from me when I jogged onto the pitch.
“The coaches put no added pressure on us. We knew the details.
“I think if you look around and you see the guys that you are playing with, you automatically get confidence from that and then you can just enjoy the moment.”
#⃣OPINION: @King365ed takes a look at what changes @Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber should make to solve some of the issues that emerged from the first #Test against @WelshRugbyUnion at the #weekend …#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍#RSAvWAL 🇿🇦V🏴
🔗https://t.co/1w4lwCSMLD pic.twitter.com/UaMoCuaU4r— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 4, 2022
‘For a pack, that isn’t acceptable’
The Springboks had a 29-24 lead in the closing minutes of the game.
However, they conceded a maul-try to a 13-man Wales side, which Louw admitted was unacceptable.
Fortunately for the Boks, Wales captain Dan Biggar missed the conversion and minutes later he conceded a penalty which Damian Willemse slotted over for a fortuitous win.
“We will definitely have a look and see what went wrong,” Louw said adding: “What we did and what we didn’t do.
“We will definitely work on that.
“For a pack, that isn’t acceptable.”
The Springboks are currently in Bloemfontein preparing for the second Test against Wales.
@rugby365com
