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Match Report - South Africa vs USA (07 October 2015)

Friday, 09 October 2015

Stefan Terblanche

"Now that is Springbok rugby at its best……..at least for the 2nd half of the game against The USA. "

Now that is Springbok rugby at its best……..at least for the 2nd half of the game against The USA. My prediction of a Bok victory by 23 points went well and truly out the window but I am o so happy to be wrong in this instance.

I think apart from the result of 64-0 and the biggest winning margin of Rugby World Cup 2015, not only for The Boks but for all teams to date, it was a much bigger victory in many other aspects of the game. I will tell you why shortly.

Firstly I would like to congratulate Bryan Habana on an outstanding try scoring record at Rugby World Cups. He is now tied in 1st place with another great, Jonah Lomu, on 15 tries apiece and like so many other South Africans and in particular Bok supporters we are all holding thumbs that he will break this impressive record in the next few weeks –who knows it might even be against The All Blacks, should these 2 rugby giants meet in a potential semi-final.

The Boks came through the game against The Eagles with flying colours. In the 1st half they had us all on the edge of our seats with a few drop passes and unforced errors but scored an unanswered 50 points in the 2nd half to register an impressive victory. What was significant in this game was the quick turnaround between the 2 test matches and the effect it had on the Bok players in the 1st half. It took them a whole 40 minutes to find their feet and to find the players next to them. I did make a prediction that this would be the case after a tough outing against The Scots 5 days earlier. What you have to commend the Boks on is the fact that they managed the1st half with it hiccups and then pulled away in the 2nd 40 minutes. That’s the sign of a mature and experienced team.

It was also very encouraging to see Willem Alberts back with some more much needed game time and it was even more pleasing to see that he was starting to run and cross the gain line like the Willem of old. This could only mean one thing come quarter finals………some very vary opposition players in the last quarter of the game with an angry “Dutchman” running with intent. I am a Dutchman myself so trust me, I know.

The Boks also had a clean bill of health after this game with the usual bumps and bruises but with no serious injury concerns. That’s always a worry at this stage of the tournament when you play against weaker teams. With 10 days before the next game Meyer and his management team should have a full squad to select a team from for the quarters. Meyer will have a very tough call to make in the next 7 days and will have to make sure that he selects the best possible team. I think the supporters are united in team selection and without being a rugby expert we have now seen and experienced the best team playing for The Boks at Rugby World Cup 2015.Meyer is incredibly loyal to his players but this is really a watershed moment for him as a national coach.

The team has shown what they can do, the nation stands united like never before and The Boks campaign is on a knife edge with a quarter final showdown against Wales or Australia looming large. Great players are showing great form and their form could not have come at a better time. Young enthusiastic players have shown their worth as far as energy and bringing excitement to the way The Boks want to play. The balance is good Heyneke and once again you have to trust these players like you have entrusted so many others before them.

The Boks played well against Scotland and played well again against The USA. It will count for nothing when taking the field next Saturday in the quarter finals other than some self believe and confidence. This team will be ready, I know but the biggest factor for will be the team selection of Heyneke Meyer and his management team in the next few days. I honestly believe that The Boks can go all the way in this campaign. Heyneke, please do the right thing and pick the best team, we trust that you will.

Let your passion drive this team.

Stefan.