Where it all went wrong for the Boks
REACTION: A lack of composure in the final quarter of their second Test against Wales proved to be costly for the Springboks.
That was the message from Handre Pollard, who captained the Springboks in the 12-13 defeat at the Free State Stadium.
A late rally from the Welsh saw them level the series 1-1 ahead of the third and final fixture at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
“There were opportunities in the first half, which is a positive because we were able to create them,” Pollard told reporters after Saturday’s match.
“We asked the guys to give their all and I don’t think we could have asked for more. I am proud of the effort.
“However, we weren’t clinical enough in the last 15 minutes and that cost us.”
The stand-in captain said there will be a lot of work behind the scenes to turn things around in the third Test.
“You are never going to be satisfied with a loss when you are playing in a Springbok jersey,” Pollard added.
“But in general, I am still positive and the guys really showed some fight and that is all we ask for.
“It is very disappointing, and it will take us 24 hours to get over it.
“We will look at and look at the details on where we could have done better and we will learn from it and we will come back next week.
“That’s all we can do. We got seven days before we play again and we got to get back on the horse Monday morning.”
The story continues below…
#ICYMI: Bok coach Jacques Nienaber opens up to the media after his team’s defeat to Wales – #SouthAfrica #Springboks #Wales #RSAvWAL https://t.co/dYOPZPcQDh
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 10, 2022
Poor discipline
Discipline will be a major area of concern for the Springboks. They gave away numerous penalties in the final quarter, which allowed Wales to find a way back in the game.
Both Pollard and Jacques Nienaber mentioned it in their post-match reactions and debutant Deon Fourie followed suit.
“We always talk about it and it’s a reality,” said Fourie.
“If you give two penalties away in a row you are going to concede points and I think that happened twice tonight [Saturday].
“You give away a penalty, they kick the ball out and then you give away another penalty and they go for poles, or they kick to the corner and they score.
“That is where the composure must come in. The guys need to know you can’t do a double fault, especially in Test match rugby, because they will punish you.”
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#ICYMI: Wales star Josh Adams has opened up on his team’s character after their win over the Springboks in Bloemfontein on Saturday. #SouthAfrica #Springboks #Wales #RSAvWAL https://t.co/akd0dTCQx6
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 10, 2022
