Boks must 'learn from history'

Jake White looks at the Boks’ loss to New Zealand and considers what lies ahead for them in the remainder of the Tri-Nations.

I’ve been there before in a similar situation, heading to Australasia with an under-strength side.

It’s not an easy task. You’ve got to build the players up to that level and tell the public you have a chance, when deep down you know that not many teams have won in Australia and New Zealand. The reality is, it’s a helluva tough to play there.

Peter de Villiers has said we’re out of the Tri-Nations, and after conceding 79 points in two Tests, I’d agree.

I was a bit amazed at the decision to swap Morne Steyn and Pat Lambie, with the former switching to fullback. It was odd, because you can learn from history. Ireland played Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara together for so many Tests and then dropped Stringer at the World Cup, which led to problems. The All Blacks have constantly changed their outside centres at World Cups, and we know how that’s ended. Nick Mallett admitted dropping Gary Teichmann was a big mistake.

South Africa have invested in a flyhalf for the past two years, a guy who’s won us Tests and a Lions series.

Out of the last 30-odd Tests, Steyn has probably started 27 of those. To then move him to fullback for one of the last matches before the World Cup and to publically ask in the build-up whether he’s the right man for the job poses further questions.

To read all of Jake’s thoughts on Lambie and Steyn, and John Smit CLICK HERE or visit Rugby XV…