I saw a Springbok team that tried their heart out and fought back brilliantly up to the second low blow by the referee in the 43 th minute. From then on the coaching staff started replacing players. Taking Danie Roussouw off so early was not the best change but replacing January with Ruan was overdue.

[SURVEYS 17]

A lot was said by me. Some aggressive remarks was made, sorry but I feel strong about it, I did not try and sway your opinions but fought for my opinion to be heard loud and clear. I saw a lot of articles that supported my feeling, but that is not the point. I say it as I see it, take it or leave it.

I wonder if I ever said that the Boks would win if the referee blew different. I was so furious it might have been said. I will plead my innocence due to the fact that English is not my first language. What I wanted to say was that the referee never allowed a fair contest. And that a few Springbok breaks could have happened if crucial decisions went our way.

First of all we were heavily punished by the yellow card. Even ex All Black players recon that was not worth a yellow. Then the crucial unpunished professional foul by Richy McCaw that would have earned any South African an immediate yellow card. At that stage we could have gone into the lead (14-13).

The sad thing about the last two games was how we lost our structures and concentration when things went against us. We also have a few off our best players missing. Fourie du Preez is the biggest blow. Heinrich Brussow was not replaced by the players most suitable to fill his shoes, his absence could have been countered by picking the next best fetcher in SA.  Bismark du Plessis was also part of the most successful team against the All Blacks.

Another big mistake was bringing in the European based players. Butch was not necessary, Ruan Pienaar could have covered both number 9 and 10 spots witch would have given us the opportunity to have another flank as reserve. Jean de Villiers was another major mistake. If Francios Hougaart was fit the Springboks would have enough variety on the bench to cover any injury. Gio Aplon played well in every game so far, all he needs is the confidence of the coach. Or else we must get a career wing there, not this makeshift players Dick Muir believes in.

I see a few player ratings painting the picture that we were no where in the game. I felt that we were well and truly in with a chance. Yes Carter could have finished the contest earlier. But it did not happen. Giving Ricky January a 2/10 score is ridiculous.

Morne Steyn 4/10 and Wynand Olivier a 3/10 makes my laugh. Giving Zane Kirchner 3/10 showed how far off this rating is. Another article said Wynand played his best game in the Springbok jersey.

It is a fact that the Springbok back line is playing poor unimaginative rugby but it seems that they play that game under instruction. And with Dick Muir there what can we expect. Morne Steyn had the guts to run at the opponents this year and scored a few great tries but under instruction he just bangs the ball up in the air. And to add to our woes Habana is not getting there to put pressure on the receiver.

I see a Sick and Tired thread was put up. Do we have that excuse flying around again. Victor Matfield is not tired. His hands are tied behind his back. He is used to lead the pack now he must play under a off form captain and a coach who ruined every forward pack he coached in his life. Look what happened at the Stormers when he was replaced by a real forward coach. It must be hard for Matfield who are used to great coaches at the Bulls. I think there is quite a few forwards that are fed up with Gary Gould.

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