Brendan Venter
While the atrocious weather conditions played a significant role in a low-scoring affair at Loftus Versfeld, I believe Argentina underlined their notoriety as the most negative side in world rugby in every single area of play.
Not only were they cynical in conceding a plethora of penalties, the way they scrummed, contested the line-outs and mauls, and the number of off-the-ball incidents – in my view the most cowardice of acts – was infuriating to behold.
I would suggest that the underhand tactics employed by the visitors during the match were entirely pre-planned, with talk of embracing a new era and playing “more rugby” a well-rehearsed ruse.
Moreover, the Pumas, who are nothing short of a bunch of bullies, were aided and abetted by an average referee in John Lacey who was simply not sharp enough to penalise the culprits in question.
First and foremost, if we examine the scrum, public opinion will suggest that the Springboks struggled at the set-piece, with tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis destroyed by his opposite number.
However, upon closer inspection and analysis, I would argue that loosehead prop Marcos Ayerza in fact scrummed inwards – and thus illegally – all game, with the relatively green Lacey overlooking said indiscretions. As a result, Ayerza was transformed from a mediocre player into a world-beater.
In my book, trying to cheat as much as you can and then hoping to get away with your actions, is tantamount to anti-rugby.
It invokes my ire when a team resorts to tactics contrary to the spirit of the oval game in order to simply prove competitive.
Argentina serve as irritating opponents in that they pick a fight at every single breakdown, hold players back, push them into the floor and shove them in the face.
Reserve scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli’s skirmish with Eben Etzebeth in the 47th minute of the match, serves as a case in point.
People will say that Etzebeth should mind his temper, but the fact of the matter is that the Pumas have a history of off-the-ball misdemeanours, which points towards premeditated thuggery.
While I believe the Springboks can expect similarly surreptitious tactics from the Pumas in Salta, Heyneke Meyer’s men must continue to rise above immature baiting and maintain their discipline.
That said, I have no doubt that Meyer and Chean Roux, in particular, will spend most of their time this week outlining the aforementioned concerns to Steve Walsh who will be in charge on Saturday.
Based on past performances, Walsh has shown to be unbelievably influenced by a partisan home crowd, which serves as a valid point of concern for the visitors who are physical yet fair.
Ultimately, the onus rests with Walsh, his assistant referees and the TMO to protect talented players whose sole intention it is to play productive rugby and thereby entertain the viewing public at large.
As a spectator, are you equally frustrated by the prevalence of thuggery in the modern professional era, and what do you believe can be done to remedy the scourge?
gunther wrote:
Thread is up, but thank you, you will henceforth be known as the deputy
😉
gunther wrote:
Se ek ook 😆
nortierd wrote:
…mos.
ryecatcher wrote:
Howzit Rye… hope you are well.
I did not see the hit by Etsebeth on Bismark as “blindsided”… they were both going for each other and the smaller man came second. Have a look..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCHFsHlKpoo
@ robzim:
Hello music man.Perceptions.Nice to hear from you.
Keep well and kind regards.
@ ryecatcher:
Thanks Rye… kind regards to you too from a wet and windy Cape Town.
@ robzim:
Hi pal.Txs.Video shows attempted legal tackle in chest area
countered by elbow to chin.
Kind regards.Rye
@ ryecatcher:
I think it was more forearm than elbow… if it was a proper elbow blow to the face he would have broken his jaw or cheekbone unless Bismark has a jaw of steel in which case Eben’s elbow would have been broken 🙂
@ robzim:
Must say that I miss C.T
ryecatcher wrote:
You mean something like this Rye?
😆
@ ryecatcher:
Cape Town misses you.
Come for a visit and we’ll buy you a jar or to Blue my boy!
@ nortierd:Fair enough pal.Both are instances of
dirty play.Elbow?Forearm? What does it matter.2 of my favourite players,
Good night to Robzim and yourself.Sleep well.
Regards.Rye
@ ryecatcher:
Cheers Rye
Have a good one
Thanks for those jokes today, opened it while in a meeting and almost had to explain what I found so funny
😀
I never thought I would ever see the brave Springboks crying like this. It’s amazing how your enormous pride prevents you to see the reality of things. You are the Springboks, man. You can not cry like this!!! It is very important to see the plank in your own eye before the mote in another’s eye. For example, why don´t you send Eben Etzebeth to a reformatory before talking about the humble Pumas? I always thought the Springboks were very rude but I never thought they would be unable to play rugby without mourn. See you tomorrow, fawns. I will be there supporting the great Pumas, the team that never complains crying about the others do.
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