Local rugby clubs evaluate Boks defeat to Japan
JOBURG – Local rugby clubs talk about the shocking loss to Japan in the IRB Rugby World Cup.
On 19 September the South African Springboks lost to Japan in Brighton for the first time in history. The two-time IRB Rugby World Cup holders were shocked by an underdog that had previously not won a World Cup game since 1991. The final score was 34–32.
Fortunately Joburg clubs are displaying better form than the Springboks with Pirates Rugby Club recently advancing as far as the semi-finals of the Golden Lions Pirates Grand Challenge and guaranteeing a spot in the 2016 Cell C Community Cup.
Pirates first team coach, Bradley Wilken, felt that Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer, lacked in planning, “There was no game plan whatsoever. The [right] players are over there, the coach has to take responsibility.” Wilken complained about a game relying too much on centre runs. He said that although South Africa’s defense was adequate, preparation and creativity was lacking. “Any coach with a bit of savvy can defend against South Africa. [Japan] cut [South Africa] at the legs and didn’t try to wrestle with them.”
The Circa Diggers Rugby Club have also shown success in a lower division as they advanced to the finals of the Senior Grand Challenge. Diggers Captain, Marc Baker, criticised the Springboks for choosing experienced players over those who are in form. “This is the most experienced side we’ve ever had in history. Jean de Villiers looked out of form and underweight,” reflected Baker, “We never used our back-line properly. We kept playing the forwards and we never took the opportunities to shut the game down.”
Like many rugby fans, Baker also gave credit to Japan’s coach for the incredible victory. “Japan under Eddie Jones were fully prepared. They knew they were the underdogs in every aspect of the game and played to their strengths. There’s nothing more dangerous than an underdog team that can sniff victory. As a club we’ve had teams that we normally beat by 50 points but they play their hearts out when they’re within seven.”
The Springboks will face Samoa next on 26 September.
