Springbok Player ratings:

Props

The Beast – 6

Started off like a house on fire and got the better of Phil Vickery

John Smit – 8

Led from the front superbly and held his composure well. Always gave 100 percent effort, and his influence was noted when he left the field in Durban. He is the man to take us through to Rugby World Cup 2011. Whilst he’s always willing to carry the ball up, his only fault was not making it over the advantage line often enough. But all the Bok forwards suffered that problem.

Gurthro Steenkamp – 6

Made a vital turnover towards the end of the first test. Other than that he had very few opportunities and appears to be rated behind the Beast by de Villiers. His workrate and performances in the Super 14 were superb and probably deserves a starting position over the Beast, as he had no opportunity to show us what he can do against the British and Irish Lions.

Deon Carstens – 4

Was supposed to cover both sides of the scrum for the Boks, but his best move was getting injured in the first test to allow john Smit to come back on. I’m not convinced he is the player we need in the Boks, although he did have a good Super 14.

Hookers

Bismarck du Plessis – 5

Rated by some as the best hooker in South Africa because of his powerful scrumming, strong work in the set pieces and all round strength and ability. Whilst he can be great on his day, he had a quiet series and once again his poor discipline let the side down when he got frustrated in the third test. If we had a decent tighthead I’d move Smit back to hooker.

Chiliboy Ralepelle - 4

Clearly not the second best hooker in the country. Sure he has talent, but I am yet to see what his exceptional qualities are as he doesn’t dominate scrums, his lineout throwing is average and his work around the park is good, but doesn’t stand out. I’d have rated Derick Kuun as our second best hooker.

Locks

Bakkies Botha - 7

Once again Bakkies showed how important he is to the Springboks. He is the man we look to lead us into battle, and dominate the opposition pack. Had a solid series and was extremely unlucky to be suspended for doing nothing wrong. He is victimised, but he always seems to be in trouble! We don’t have another Bakkies anywhere, and we will need to start producing one soon, especially if Bakkies spends as much time off the field as he does on it!

Victor Matfield - 7

Whilst he didn’t do anything wrong other than 2 drop balls in the third test, Victor had a quiet series by his standards. He once again was a great, safe source of lineout ball, and did his works in the ruck.  However he wasn’t visible around the field as much as he usually is, and his role in dictating the play like he does at the Bulls was missing. Like all the Bulls players was strangely subdued and I don’t think that is any coincidence.

Andries Bekker – 5

Was a revelation last year, but is not the man to replace Bakkies as he is a lightweight. Good in the air, and quick around the field, but didn’t stand out for anything in particular. Almost cost the Boks the game at Loftus with his high tackle. Wouldn’t be in my Bok squad, and now appears quite injury prone.

Danie Rousouw – 4

Not a series to remember for the big man. Made minimal impact in Durban, and lasted about 2 minutes at Loftus. Is about the only lock we have to replace Bakkies, and is a strong ball carrier. I’d make him our lock replacement and not use him as a loose forward, where he lacks the necessary pace and athleticism.

Johan Muller - 4

Called in due to a Springbok locking crisis. A tough man who gives consistent effort, but not a world class lock. Did what one would expect, but not the man for the job. A better call may have been Steven Sykes.

Steven Sykes - 5

Didn’t get enough opportunity to evaluate his worth, but may be the longer term successor to Bakkies.

Loose Forwards

Heinrich Brussow - 7

Got around the field well and took his try superbly in the first test. Didn’t make any turnovers in the first test however he made some vital ones to help South Africa get back in the game at Loftus. At Ellis park  he was a mixed bag as he made some vital turnovers, allowed too many steals from the British and Irish Lions and started to lose his cool towards the end of the match. Is the only true opensider we have in our squad so we have to persist with him. Where are all our opensiders?

Juan Smith – 7

Worked tirelessly all series and has a high workrate. With ball in hand he couldn’t get over the advantage line often enough but was strong on defence. Appears to be slowing down a bit, but like the Bulls guys, doesn’t look like the same player who performs so strongly at Super 14 level.

Schalk Burger – 3 

Let the side and his reputation down with his despicable action at Loftus. The effects of his eye gouging will stay with him all career, and I wouldn’t be picking him based on his current form or behaviour. Has lost speed and fitness, and doesn’t throw himself around as he did a few years ago. Lacks accuracy in all he does although he appears to still retain enormous influence in the Bok squad. Disturbing to hear Peter de Villiers say he bases 60% of his game plan around Schalk. Maybe that’s why he had no plan B?

Pierre Spies – 6

Didn’t do anything wrong, but never stood out and for a world class player that’s not quite enough. He made a few good runs, and always looked strong with ball in hand, but when the Boks are struggling, he must gets the Boks going forward. Made a try saving tackle at the end of the first half at Loftus that had a huge bearing on the series. Needs to regain the spark he exhibited at the Bulls!

Ryan Kankowski - 4

Mr Show pony got a full game at Ellis Park in the third test. Not sure where he was hiding all game but he doesn’t do enough hard work when his team is on the back foot. I also think his handling skills aren’t good enough but he never got enough chances or went looking for work to show if that aspect of his game has improved or not. Would not be in my Springbok squad.

Halfbacks

Fourie Du Preez – 5

The best scrumhalf in the world was not involved heavily enough. Is capable of dictating games and with his boot he controls field position. His kicking through the whole series was not quite spot on, many of his kicks were too long. One could argue he didn’t get enough quality ball to stamp his authority on the series, but usually he makes his own opportunities. His covering of the oppositions long kicks was spot on at Loftus and it was his running back at the opposition that got the Boks on the front foot and eventually sealed the win.

Ricky Januarie – 3

 Out of form and a coaches selection. He let the side down in Durban and the criticism of his performance brought one of the strangest metaphors ever heard! Doesn’t deserve a spot ahead of Jano Vermaak.

Flyhalves

Ruan Pienaar – 6

Had a good game in Durban with his field kicking and place kicking being spot on. However he was under a lot more pressure at Loftus and failed that test dismally. Didn’t do much to dispell the opinion he blows hot or cold, but is still a tremendous talent. In the third test he played halfback, and his option taking was poor. Needs better direction, and either he or Morne Steyn need to be the Bok flyhalf for an extended period of time.

Morne Steyn - 9

Won the series for the Boks. Made a try saving tackle on Monye in the first test that went largely unnoticed. At Loftus he had a fairytale game, kicking everything from all around the park, ending with the perfectly scripted final kick from in his own half. Unfortunately in the third test he was unable to get a decent platform from his forward pack, but did his job adequately and kicked 100% once more.

Centres

Jean de Villiers – 6

Was finally able to play in an important series but had limited opportunities due to substitution and non-selection. Is one of the Bok playmakers but never given a chance to get into the game by coach Peter de Villiers. Needs to be more involved and more of our attck needs to based around him, as he takes the ball to the line strongly and creates opportunities for those around him.

Adi Jacobs – 5

Had  a poor series. On defence he was found out, and I don’t subscribe to the commonly held view that his defence has always been suspect. When fully fit he deserves his place in the starting lineup, but his shoulder is quite clearly not 100%. Was a revelation last year with his ability to test defences, and that aspect of his game has been missing since his injury. Someone please get him his surgery and the sooner we can get him back fully fit!

Jacque Fourie – 8

Took his chances beautifully at Loftus when it mattered. Other than that his defence and attacking game weren’t brilliant in the first and third tests. Is a great player, but not consistent enough to be rated as world class as many columnists in South Africa do. Could take a lesson from Brian O’Driscoll in that regard. A centre pairing of Jean de Villiers and Jacque Fourie in the tri-nations will be very solid.

Wynand Olivier – 4

Played his first test since 2007 and probably played his way out of the Bok starting team for a while again. I maintain that he is a good provincial player but not international class. He just doesn’t seem to do enough. He takes the ball to the line but never seems to break through or set anyone else up. Missed vital tackles in defence during the third test, and unfortunately threw the ball that Ugo Monye intercepted.

Wings

Bryan Habana – 7

Appears to be regaining the form of 2007, and took his try superbly at Loftus. Was involved more than he has been in the past, and his defence one on one remains strong, although he came off his wing that led to the Lions try at Loftus. Needs to be playing not resting on the sideline.

JP Pietersen – 7

Still a young player with much to offer South African rugby. It was good to see JP running with ball in hand and some space in both the tests he played in, but what was more impressive is his defence. He is very solid and makes some try saving tackles. In Durban he made some front on hits, on forwards that most international wingers wouldn’t make.  

Jongi Nokwe - 5

Only had the one chance and was never brought into the game. I maintain he is the quickest wing I’ve seen with a deadly step. Has the potential to be a match winner, but it not out there to simply make up the numbers, or get cold standing on the win. I’d love to see Habana and Nokwe as our wing combination, and then given space and ball to move in.

Odwa Ndungane - 6

Another player who is solid at provincial level, but not really world class. Lacks the pace of an international wing, but has a high workrate and goes looking for the ball. Can be prone to dropping the ball, but always gives 100% effort. Stole one ball in the tackle which was great work. I also think we have picked the wrong Ndungane, as Akona of the Bulls has better handling skills and is more consistent.

Fullbacks

Francois Steyn - 5

I won’t be disappointed to see Francois racing off to France, as I believe he is highly overrated. Francois showed once again that he lacks consistency. This was highlighted in his goalkicking. He strikes some kicks beautifully, whilst others he strikes light a 3rd grade club player. From the back his field kicking was poor. He had plenty of chances but generally kicked too deep, without putting any pressure on the back three of the Lions. For some reason he was moving backward in the Lions first tries at Durban and Loftus and this gave the Lions players space to create their tries. Had Francois moved forward, he’d have been able to cut down the space and may have stopped the Lions scoring those two tries.

Zane Kirchner -

The form fullback of the year in South Africa, was never in the squad early enough to make a telling contribution. Could have been the solidity at the back that the Boks needed, and his strength is that he puts up kicks and contests them. It would have been hugely unsettling to be called away from Bulls practice to the Bok squad, in the week leading up to his test debut, but I felt he performed adequately. Should be given the Bok fullback position for an extended run, as in my opinion he is a long term, world class prospect.

Coaches

Peter de Villiers - 2

Has the distinction of winning a series against the Lions, which no other coach in South Africa has achieved for a long time. However under de Villiers the Bokshave been extremely inconsistent, and he has taken a World Champion winning side and made some superstars look very average. It is disconcerting to see players that were performing at their peak capacity a month or so ago in the Super 14 suddenly struggling to hold their own. Almost all of the Bulls players have struggled in this series, which makes me believe that the coaching is the critical factor.

Great coaches get the best out of their players, and other than Australia at Ellis Park, and England at Twickenham, de Villiers has struggled to get this Bok side firing on all cylinders. Too often they look clueless, and not quite sure how to play. No gameplan seems apparent, and it is only the occasional brilliance of world class players that has ensured this Bok side has maintained a respectable record.

His public speaking and press conference ramblings are an embrassment to the team and the country, and it is high time someone made him pull his head in or resign.

Dick Muir and Gary Gold – 3

Neither the forward pack nor the backline seem to be playing to their potential, so both these guys should be booted out along with de Villiers. One can see the influence of Muir and Gold, especially in the backline where no specialist fullback was initially picked. Muir has always favoured versatility, yet hasn’t won anything of substance with his approach.

I favour a clean out of the entire coaching staff.

A 2-1 series win to the Springboks over the British and Irish Lions avenged the disappointment of 1997 .

In many ways however this series failed to live up to expectation, was blighted by off the ball incidents and was littered with inconsistent officiating.

The Springboks seem to be very happy and satisfied with a 2-1 series win, even though they were disgraceful in the 3rd test. The bad memories of 1997 can now be replaced by a series win, and it is eerie how similar the 2009 campaign was to 1997, with the roles reversed.

In 1997 the Boks were clearly the better side, and outscored the Lions by 9 tries to 3. However poor goalkicking let them down and the Lions managed to win the first 2 games even though they were outplayed. The series win was sealed with a Jeremy Guscott drop goal. In the dead rubber, the Springboks won by 19 points.

In 2009, the Springboks won the first test albeit unconvincingly, won the second even thought they were outplayed for a lot of it, and sneaked home courtesy of better goalkicking and a hero in Morne Steyn. And in the dead rubber they were beaten by 19 points.

The First test started off with the Springboks looking extremely focused and professional. They played the sort of rugby that won them the Rugby World Cup in 2007, dominate the set pieces, kick the goals and make no errors. It is not pretty rugby, but it can be mighty effective in tight contests. The Lions meanwhile looked to play the more expansive game, on the hard fields of South Africa.

It was the Springboks though who dominated the first 60 minutes, sticking to the pattern they know best. With a 19 point lead, the game was effectively sealed. However a mass substitution strategy by coach Peter de Villiers robbed the Boks of their momentum and the Lions sniffed an opening. They showed great composure and determination to stick to their running game and the Boks simply held on for dear life. The reintroduction of John Smit with a few minutes left was imperative to regain composure, play the percentages and grind out the victory.

It showed that although the Boks could seemingly destroy this Lions side by playing their game, any let up would be punished. The Lions meanwhile were willing to take greater risks and try and expose the Springbok defence out wide.

A tough Itinerary for the Lions saw them based in Capetown for the week leading up to the test at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The Boks meanwhile had the luxury of getting accustomed to the highveld. It was meant to mean a hiding for the Lions in the last 2 weeks of a tough tour. Instead we saw 2 shocking Boks performances.

Schalk Burger let himself down and will have to deal with a tarnished reputation for the rest of his life. The Lions seized their chance and started exposing the Springbok defence almost at will. The Boks looked shocked and simply could not construct any sort of phase play. facing an 8 point deficit at halftime, the Boks played their second best half of the series. They got field position and ran the ball back at the Lions, forcing errors and working 2 more wonderful tries.

It took some brilliance from Jacque Fourie, a moment of madness from Ronan O’Gara and up stepped Steyn to do to the Lions what Guscott had done to the Boks in 1997. It wasn’t fair, but it lasts for 12 painful years.

The dead rubber at Ellis park was all about pride for the Lions, and a chance for many Boks to earn a place in the ‘first’ team. The Lions were magnificent, and once again employed the same strategy as they employed all tour, despite having massive personnel changes.

I liked the way they moved the ball, ran straight and hard, and took the ball through phases. Many in the Southern hempisherecriticize players like Stephen Jones as one dimensional, but he was instrumental in dictating the way the Lions played, and was prominent looping around the outside backs to create the extra man.

The Boks meanwhile looked devoid of any sense of a game plan other than to play error free rugby in the opposition half, and feed off the Lions mistakes. Their runners were unable to break the advantage line, meaning we often resorted to kicking, which was aimless from the back. The Lions returned the ball with interest from Rob Kearney and Jones.

Whilst I thought the Lions got away with a lot of negative play at the breakdown, especially in the third test, they played to the referee and got away with it. The fact they transgressed the offside line stopped the Boks getting over the advantage line and the Boks were either too shallow turning the ball over, or too deep and nailed behind the advantage line.

No one in the Springbok side was able to produce any tactic to overcome this. It may be why the Boks had greater success from set pieces in scoring tries. However it was interesting how the Bulls players who played so well a month or so ago, and a team that are full of World Class players, now look very average. I think much blame has to go to the coaching staff, especially madmad Peter de Villers! He has not produced anything constructive from the Boks, we were outscored in the series 74-63, but more importantly the Lions scored 7 tries to our 5.

Whilst we may have won the series 2-1, the Lions can claim the moral victory as we did in 1997. Whilst we have 12 years to claim the result, we have 12 more years of waiting to stamp our dominance over the Lions…

Check out my Springbok player ratings for the British and Irish Lions series

This was a shocking team effort from the Springbok, who let themselves, the country and the jersey down. Individually it was hard to find huge fault, but collectively they were awful. Inconsistency is the only consistency since de Villiers became coach and he has taken a World Champion side with awesome players, into an average side.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast – 6

Since the first test his scrumming has gone downhill. Also in the loose he was not prominent and like all the other Springbok forwards, couldn’t manage to get over the advantage line. Has to start performing every game.

2. Chiliboy Ralepelle - 5

His scrumming, lineout throwing and general play around the field aren’t exceptional, which all the duties he is selected for! Quite clearly not the number 2 hooker in world rugby, and it hasn’t helped him to be given an honourary place on the Springbok side.

3. John Smit – 7

Always leads from the front. Not making enough yardage with bal in hand but controls the side as well as any captain could. A brave player, and if there were any decent tightheads available for the Boks, I’d move him back to hooker.

4. Johan Muller - 5

Another brave player but is limited in capacity. Never gives up, but just not worthy of playing at this high a level. Where are these 10 locks de Villiers says we have capable of playing at this level?

5. Victor Matfield – 6

Victor hasn’t quite been himself this series. Like all the Bulls guys, something has gone seriously wrong since winning the Super 14. Is it the coach, the environment or what?? Also dropped 2 balls, quite unlike Big Vic. Still a world class player.

6. Heinrich Brussow - 5

Got a couple of turnovers, but lacked prsence at the breakdown. Martyn Williams got the better of him, and that resulted in points for the Lions. Heinrich also got frustrated towards the end of the game too. South Africa needs a bigger, more aggressive opensider.

7. Juan Smith -7

Worked tirelessly all game, and used a lot as a ball carrier. Still not sure why he hasn’t been breaking the advantage line very often. Made plenty of tackles too.

8. Ryan Kankowski - 4

Not quite sure where Kankowski was playing. A couple of times he showed up at Ellis Park but didn’t do anything spectacular. If Spies is the devastating runner, we need  a more direct number 8 as backup.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 5

Like big Vic, Fourie has not enjoyed the Springbok setup. His box kicks haven’t been accurate, but his covering play has still been first class. Needs to get better protection at the rucks so he can clear ball faster.

10. Morne Steyn - 6

Kicked 3 from 3, but couldn’t dictate play because of poor quality ball. Didn everything he could, but his teammates need to help him out.

11. Jongi Nokwe - 5

Play never ran his way and he picked up a dislocated finger after which he was tentative. Could look for more work, but when you have a matchwinner like Jongi in your side, use him! A strange decision to replace him with Spies.

12. Wynand Olivier - 4

I’ve never thought Wynand Olivier is world class and Springbok level despite his good Super 14 form. Doesn’t get through many gaps and set others up, but runs straight and hard and does his job. Missed an important tackle and threw the ball that gifted Monye a try. A day to forget.

13. Jacque Fourie - 6

Had a chance to show everyone why he is highly rated. Didn’t do anything spectaular, and his defence is not rock solid as many think it is. Solid game, but a fully fit Adi Jacobs is still my first choice.

14. Odwa Ndungane - 6

Didn’t too much wrong, and got a valuable steal. However the Lions attacked down his side at every chance and that’s where they made inroads. May have been the people inside him that were more responsible however. Not enough pace to be world class.

15. Zane Kirchner - 7

Didn’t do much wrong, but wasn’t helped out by his teammates. A couple of errors including a left footed kick out on the full, but deserves another chance. Why was he subbed so early? What was the point of giving him the starting position?

16. Bismarck du Plessis - 6

Solid in the set pieces but once again his temper got the better of him when the game was getting away from the Springboks. Would still be my reserve hooker, with Smit starting.

17. Gurthro Steenkamp -

Not on long enough to make a good assessment.

18. Deon Carstens -

Did not play

19. Steven Sykes -

Not on long enough to make a good assessment.

20. Pierre Spies - 6

Made a couple of runs, nothing spectacular. Bizarre move to bring him on at wing.

21. Ruan Pienaar - 5

Rusty as a scrumhalf. Was clearly feeling the pressure to do something spectacular in the second half anf took the wrong option a couple of times.

22. Francois Steyn – 5

Many were pleased with his effort, but he didn’t do anything spectacular. One dimensional in running with ball and simply tries to run over players. A predictable player who lacks accuracy.

The Springbok lost the 3rd Test at Ellis Park 28-9.

Whilst they won the series 2-1, the 3rd test result was extremely disappointing, and one of the worst displays since the 49-0 loss to Australia in 2006.

The Lions started off the test with great intensity, and showed they would not lie down lightly. Their intensity at the breakdown was phenomenal, and they outplayed the Springboks here which was the key to their victory. Their pack played superb rugby as a unit, they dominated the scrums, were solid at the lineouts and at the breakdown they contested everything; causing plenty of turnovers which led to their first 2 tries.

In this regard they were superbly led by Paul O’Connell, and also benefited from playing a specialist openside in Martyn Williams. Whilst I think they weren’t always legal in their tactics at the rucks, and got away with being offside far too often, the Boks need to be more streetsmart to deal with those sorts of occurrences and adjust their gameplan accordingly. The Boks were never able to get anysor of phase play going, nor produce any prolonged period of sustained pressure. Mind you, that has been the case all series.

Over the 3 tests, the British and Irish Lions have looked the more constructive side, and their backs showed what they can make their own space and get their team going forward. They also linked up well with their forwards and continually threatened the Springbok defence which has looked decidedly shaky under Peter de Villiers coaching.

With ten changes made by the Boks, and the series already won, many may suggest there was an air of complacency and lack of intensity exhibited by the Boks. However the Lions also had 8 changes and would have been looking forward to getting home after a long season. As professionals, and playing for starting spots for the tri-nations, I feel very let down by the lack of integrity for the Springbok jersey. The 10 changes are not what lost this game for the Springboks, lack of professionalism, hunger to win and poor execution cost them.

Whilst the Lions played well and should be commended, how often have we seen in the past, whenever the Boks should win easily, they don’t?. As highlighted in my article “The problem with SA rugby“, the Springboks lack the killer edge and ability to put sides away. They could take a leaf out of the Bulls’ book as they showed in the Semi and Final of the Super 14. It seems a long time ago since the Super 14 final when South African rugby was riding the crest of the wave and seemingly invincible.

I was also shocked that de Villiers decided to give every player a go against the British and Irish Lions. I’ve never heard of anything so absurd. The priority should be to put out a strong squad and win every game. Players such as Kankowski and Ndungane didn’t deserve a chance, will others such as Habana, JP Pietersen and Spies needed to keep playing.

However with the Sevens title, the Super 14 Title, the World Cup and a Lions series victory, this Springbok side should have won the series 3-0, and performed a lot better than we saw today. The only consistency under Peter de Villiers is the inconsistency. I hope we finally get it together in the Tri-Nations week in week out, else it’s time for Mr de Villiers to go. Be warned, this is your last chance to produce some results buddy!

My Springbok player ratings.

The series is now over, and we are left playing for pride at Ellis Park, Johannesburg.

At stake is a series whitewash, or reclaiming some pride and respect from the Lions. A 3-0 victory is what the public expect in South Africa, and will deflate the Lions and question whether their tours should continue. A 2-1 victory would suggest a close series, and will bring about a great deal of debate and reflection on what happened at Loftus Versfeld in the second test.

Springbok Coach Peter de Villiers named 10 changes in his starting lineup. 

There are mostly enforced changes in the forwards due to injury and suspension, whilst the backline has mostly changes due to a selection/rotation policy.

I like the side, I’m not convinced Chiliboy is the second best hooker in the country, but it’ll be exciting to see him given a go. Johan Muller will never let you down, but he doesn’t have the class of a Bakkies Botha. I’d have liked to see Juan Smith moved to lock and Pierre Spies retained. The Free State flanking duo will be prominent though, and Ryan Kankowski is picked at number eight. I’ve never been a fan of his, I think he’s a show pony who doesn’t have a high enough workrate or make his presence felt in tough games. Once again I fear he may be hard to find for the first 30 minutes or so.

The backline is exciting. Morne Steyn deserves his chance, I’ve sung his praises for a few years now. He has all the skills and his confidence is sky high. He can kick, he can run, and he controls the backline well. I believe with him at flyhalf we’ll see more of the wings on attack, something that’s bee missing from the Boks for the last…well forever really! Wynand Olivier deserves his chance. He’s simple and uncomplicated, and he’ll fit in well with Morne Steyn to get the backline going.

Jacque Fourie is another who deserves his chance, and has been playing great rugby. He’ll bring a more direct aspect to the backline play and set good targets for second phase ball. I’m not sure Odwa Ndungane is a test wing, but his workrate is quite good, so he’ll be involved a lot. The other wing is what excites me most. For 5 years I’ve been saying Nokwe is the fastest win in South Africa, and I believe he is awesome. He can finish superbly, we just need to give him some space. His defence has improved, and under the high ball he may be a bit shaky, but who cares! Just give him an inch of space and he’ll score tries!

It’s the fullback position that excites me most. I said Zane Kirchner would be a Springbok by the end of the year, and i’m so happy they have brought him in sooner rather than later. This kid is solid as a rock. He has a great kicking game and contests the ball well. He tackles superbly but it’s his inclusion into the line and ability to set others away that should see him blow the Lions away in the last 30 minutes.

The British and Irish Lions meanwhile have made 8 changes, mostly due to injury.

In the forwards, Sheridan and Vickery need to ensure the Lions get a solid scrum going. The flank combination looks strengthened in my view with Martyn Williams and Joe Worsley, although Heaslip at number eight is a weak point for me.

The backline looks disjointed and the midfield decidedly shaky. Replacing Jamie Roberts and Brian O’Driscoll with Riki Flutey and Tommy Bowe takes so much away from where the Lions can attack. In Shane Williams, Ugo Monye and Rob Kearney they have some three-quarters who can threaten the Boks, but not without being set up well. I fear the Lions attack will be fairly blunt and they’ll rely a lot on the boot of Stephen Jones.

Then there is the cauldron of Ellis Park. The “Field of dreams” for South Africa. We don’t lose here. We won’t lose here. And I’m picking the Boks to win by 20 as the altitude once again takes effect and we start to dominate a Lions side that simply won’t have the firepower, the stamina or the desire to compete with a Springbok side that having won the series can now express itself without the pressures of winning a series. Go Bokke Go!

Springboks Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha were both suspended after the Springboks v the British and Irish Lions second test at Loftus Versfeld.

Schalk Burger was given an 8 week suspension for eye gouging Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald. After only 27 seconds of play, Schalk had his hand in Fitzgerald’s eyes which was picked up by touch judge Bryce Lawrence.  Lawrence stated to the ref  that it was “At least a yellow card”. In other words he was telling the ref to give a yellow card. 

Looking at the evidence, Schalkis guilty of eye gouging. He has never been a dirty player, but then he has never performed so badly in a season as he has now. In my view he looks a frustrated player, as evidenced by his arguing with referees. He was playing his 50th test, and instead of going down as a Springbok legend, he has tarnished his image forever. Sure he has had plenty of yellow cards, but they have come about from over zealous and reckless play not thuggery and maliciousness.

I believe he should have been shown a red card, and struggle to understand why Bryce Lawrence didn’t make the recommendation. I sympathise with Lions supporters, but I as a Springbok supporter I was happy he stayed on the field for 70 minutes, else we would have struggled! An Italian player got 8 weeks in New Zealand for a similar incident, so at least there is consistency, but I think Schalk can feel lucky it was only 8 weeks. In future I believe eye gougers should get a a lot longer than that.

Bakkies Botha meanwhile was cited and given a 2 week suspension for a dangerous tackle. At a ruck he came charging in from an onside position and this dislocated the shoulder of prop Adam Jones. He didn’t bind on to another player at the ruck, but then again who does?

Bakkies is unfairly treated in my view. That was good cleaning out, and unfortunately a Lions player was too soft and got hurt. He should go back to his knitting classes not complain about it. This is rugby.

The Lions management and British tabloids are screaming out about the Springbok dirty play. However there were plenty of high tackles by Lions players in the second test, and after the first 2 Springbok tries, both players were tackled late.

JP Pietersen was dangerously pushed after he had dotted the ball down, and Bryan Habana was jumped on after he had placed the ball for his try too. Why weren’t any Lions cited?

It seems to me that the Springboks and minnow sides are unfairly treated by citing commissioners and the judiciary. Take this years super 14 and Sione Lauaki and his coathanger tackle on Bryan Habana. Brett Sheehan and his shoulder charge. Or the 2007 world cup when Schalk was suspended, and others weren’t for similar offences. Where is the consistency? Oh well, I shall take comfort with a series victory over the Lions for the next 12 years, that should be enough to keep me happy!

In general the Boks were disappointing. Lack of discipline cost them in penalties, lack of execution caused costly errors, whilst lack of energy and passion simply produced a substandard display. However the last 20 minutes showed what they are capable of us Morne Steyn, Jacque Fourie and Heinrich Brussow seemed to lift the players around them.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast – 7

Had a strong effort in the loose, but came off second best in the scrums against Gethin Jenkins.

2. Bismarck du Plessis – 6

Did the basics well enough, and while many criticised his quick penalty tap late in the second half, the Lions were never back 10m, and more should have come from that from the ref.

3. John Smit – 8

Led well from the front. Always gives 100% and keep the team composed right until the end. A cool, calm and collected captain.

4. Bakkies Botha – 6

Had a couple of strong runs with ball in hand. We need to see more of that, and as the Springbok enforcer, allowed the Lions to dominate our pack.

5. Victor Matfield – 7

Had a high work rate, but didn’t get the usual steals on opposition throw in the lineout. Always performs well but not one of his more exceptional tests.

6. Schalk Burger – 4

Could have been lucky to play 69 minutes. Not the player he once was. Jake White says he is the best player he ever coached, but for all his enthusiasm and commitment, lacks the quality of execution in my book. Gave away a silly offside penalty also in the second half, and ultimately cost the Boks at least 6 points.

7. Juan Smith -6

A fairly quiet game or Juan Smith. Not prominent on attack of defence, maybe he needs a rest or prehaps it is time to give Dewald Potgeiter a chance bearing in mind the 2011 world cup.

8. Pierre Spies – 7

Strong with ball in hand, made some some telling runs. His covering of the line improved from Durban, and made a try saving tackle late in the first half. Was still slightly anonymous however.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 6

Never has a bad game, but like Spies has been slightly anonymous this series. Didn’t dominate with his kicking game, but in the second half started to run the ball back at the Lions more and more, creating momentum for the Boks.

10. Ruan Pienaar – 4

Had a bad day with the boot. Missed too many easy kicks, and also failed to find touch from a lineout when the Boks were under pressure. Do we drop him for Morne Steyn? If de Villiers loves him so much, he should be persisted with, which is tough on Morne.

11. Bryan Habana – 7

Contributed to the Lions try by coming off his wing, but had a high workrate. Good to see him involved and running onto the ball in the second half, although with little room to move. It’s not the best ball, but it’s a start. Took his try well.

12. Jean de Villiers – 5

Hasn’t regained the high standards he set in 2008. Defence was average, and not breaking the line on attack. Time to try the in form Wynand Olivier?

13. Adi Jacobs – 6

Improved his defence by showing greater commitment. Had some good runs on attack, just failing to link up with other runners. Has done nothing wrong, but Fourie’s exceptional showing should demote him to the bench.

14. JP Pietersen – 7

A much stronger game, running onto the ball more courtesy of better ball. Gave away a silly penalty however in the first half.

15. Frans Steyn – 5

Once again inconsistent with his kicking, although they are long range attempts. Inconsistent at the back and produce enough contestable kicks, which allowed Kearney to get the Lions into Bok territory.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Did not play

17. Deon Carstens -

Did not play

18. Andries Bekker – 5

Gave away a crucial penalty which almost gave the Lions a draw. Doesn’t make enough impact to warrant his inclusion.

19. Danie Roussow – 4

Got concussed almost immediately.

20. Heinrich Brussow – 9

Made 3 crucial turnovers in the 20 minutes or so he played. Probably benefited from the Lions being tired for the last 20, but provided the spark the Bok forwards needed.

21. Jacque Fourie – 9

Super sub Fourie took his chance exceptionally well. Has earned the right to wear the 13 jersey, at least for now.

22. Morne Steyn – 10

The hero! Kicked every goal, including 2 very tough kicks. Strong with ball in hand, got the backline going. Did everything that was asked of him, and then took it upon himself to win the series. I’ve said Morne is a great player for the last few years, so i’m pleased to see him do so well. I’d keep Ruan at flyhalf and play Morne at inside centre, as he simply has to be in the side.

The 2nd test between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions was played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The Springboks emerged victorious 28-25, courtesy of new Springbok legend, Morne Steyn.

The game had many twists and turns, starting with the controversial Schalk Burger sinbinning after just 27 seconds. Schalk was playing his 50th test match and is not a dirty player. He plays hard, but in the spirit of the game. I have reviewed the incident and the footage is not conclusive to me, although he is alleged to have eye gouged Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald. Some of the South African commentators have suggested he will get a lengthy ban, which would indicate he is guilty.

If Schalk was guilty of eye gouging, the question must be asked, “why was he only awarded a yellow card?” If Schalk is indeed guilty, I’d agree with the Lions, and feel very aggrieved it wasn’t a red card, which would have had a marked outcome on the result of the test.

The Lions then dominated the opening 10 minutes, and scored a try through a beautiful move on the right hand flank. Habana came off his wing to help Adi Jacobs, and once the Lions got through the line it was all over. Once again Frans Steyn was moving backwards instead of coming forwards to take the ball carrier and shut down the space available. He did that in the first test, when I felt he could have stopped the Lions first try.

The Lions then seemed to want to run the ball from all over the field, and were making headway every time. The Boks weren’t making first time tackles, nor putting enough pressure on at the breakdown. However from a lineout around the Lions 22, a beautifully worked move put JP Pietersen through the gap to score. Inexplicably, Ruan Pienaar missed the conversion, setting the tone for the rest of his game.

The rest of the firs half saw the Boks making critical mistakes whenever they got field position or attacking chances. Inevitably the Lions stole ball at the breakdown, or managed to force an error. A couple more penalties for offside see the Lions setting up a handy lead, before Frans Steyn pulls one back with a long range penalty on halftime.

The halftime score of 16-8, saw the Lions in control. They seemed to be playing with the higher tempo, and had the edge in the scrums.

The second half saw the Boks start off withanother error. Suddenly both Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins were injured, and now we had to have uncontested scrums. Ruan Pienaar missed a couple of penalty attempts, but the Boks were starting to get more possession, territory and build up pressure. Their biggest downfall was their aimless kicking, not putting enough pressure with their chasing. This allowed Kearney to punish them and drive them back into their own half.

A slew of substitutions saw Danie Rousouw come and go, Jacque Fourie replace Jean de Villiers,  Morne Steyn on for Ruan Pienaar, and Heinrich Brussow on for Danie Rousouw. It worked immediately with Bryan Habana scoring off a set move beautifully. Although there was a hint of obstruction. Morne Steyn kicked his first ever points for the Boks on his home ground.

A penalty goal to Morne Steyn narrowed the gap to 1 point with 12 minutes to play, and suddenly the momentum was starting to shift to the Boks. Their accuracy was getting better, and the Lions were being forced into mistakes. I dare say the altitude factor was probably starting to kick in too. They simply seemed to be running out of energy, and the spring in their step had gone.

A penalty to Jones, took the lead out to 4, and it was inevitable that the Boks would have to score another try to win this one. A kick to the corner saw the Boks work the ball through several phases, and go from the right hand flank to the left, then they worked it back right and Jacque Fourie finished beautifully in the corner after a long TMO decision. It was interesting to hear Bryce Lawrence (the touch judge) question the decision after it was awarded. Keep out of it Bryce, the decision was made! What makes him think he can do that??

Morne Steyn goaled a crucial conversion from the sideline and suddenly the Boks were ahead by 3 and ready to close the game out with 5 minutes left. A high tackle from Bekker immediately from the restart allowed Jones to level the scores, and a draw looked inevitable.

In the 81st minute, Fourie du Preez was tackled in the air and the Boks had a 53m penalty attempt. I thought they’d give it to Frans Steyn, but Morne Steyn decisively stepped forward to take the kick. He hadn’t missed a kick in the time he was on the field. In only his second test, he nailed a long range kick that will make him a Springbok legend. What a beauty! The bitter disappointment of 12 years ago can be forgotten, as for the next 12 years we can relive this magic moment from Morne.

This was almost the opposite of the first test where the Boks dominated for 60 minutes, before the Lions came storming home. This time the Lions dominated for 60 minutes, and the Boks charged home for the last 20. The Boks simply got on the right end of the scoresheet both times. Next week at Ellis Park in the 3rd test i’m hoping for the series whitewash!

Check out the video highlights

My Springbok player ratings

Springboks v British and Irish Lions 2nd Test – Loftus, Pretoria

Live Updates

81st Min – Morne Steyn is the hero! South Africa win the series. South Africa win 28-25.

80th Min – Penalty to South Africa 5m inside their own half. Morne Steyn to take the kick. 53m.

77th Min – Jones kicks a high pressure penalty. Scores locked at 25-25.

76th Min – High tackle, a chance for the Lions to kick a penalty from the left hand sideline about 37m out and 5m in.

75th Min – Morne Steyn kicks from the sideline. Boks ahead 25-22.

74th Min – Stu Dickinson awards the try. TRY! Boks in front for the first time today. Boks ahead 23-22. Morne Steyn to take the conversion from the sideline.

74th Min – Bok try in the corner! Jacue Fourie scores after the Boks moved the ball from 1 side to the other. We are going to the TMO.

73rd Min – Bok penalty. Morne kicks for the corner.

72nd Min – Ferocious stuff. Lions get a couple of valuable turnovers. Boks must protect the ball.

70th Min – Jones kicks the penalty. Lions 22-18.

69th Min – Penalty to the Lions as Schalk rushes up in defence and is a mile offside. Jones should knock this one over.

68th Min – Morne Steyn kicks it! Awesome. Lions ahead 19-18.

67th Min – Brussow wins a penalty at the breakdown. Now the Boks are playing with some urgency, and go forward. Morne Steyn to kick at goal. C’mon buddy.

67th Min – Bismarck taps a penalty. Lions never back ten. Boks knock on.

65th Min – O’Driscoll leaves the field and replaced by Shane Williams.

63rd Min – Habana scores after a beautiful move from a scrum! Beautiful. Morne Steyn knocks over the conversion for his first ever points for the Boks. Lions now ahead 19-15. A game is on our hands.

62nd Min – Danie Rousouw off after a headclash with O’Driscoll. Heinrich Brussow on.

61st Min – Stephen Jones nails it. Lions 19-8. Morne Steyn rerplaces Ruan Pienaar.

60th Min – Kickable penalty for the Lions. Boks coming in from the side.

59th Min – Andries Bekker and Danie Roussouw on for Bakkies Botha and Juan Smith.

58th Min – Boks starting to dominate more possession and territory. But they’re playing catch up.

56th Min – Jacque Fourie on for Jean de Villiers. Adi to move to Inside centre.

54th Min – I think i’d rather see the Bulls side playing the Lions! They’d have scored 30+ points by now!

52nd Min – Penalty Boks for the Lions being in front of the kicker. Pienaar misses from in front. Lions still lead 16-8.

49th Min – Pienaar misses the penalty narrowly. Time for Morne Steyn?

48th Min – Bok penalty just in Lions territory. Pienaar to have a kick at goal.

46th Min – Boks take the ball through the phases well, but don’t make much headway. Someone needs to provide go forward. A high tackle on Habana was missed, and left O’Driscoll feeling the effects. Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins off. Andrew Sheridan and Alun-Wyn Jones on. Uncontested scrums.

42nd Min – Kearney killing the Boks with his kick returns. Bok kicking very aimless.

2nd Half – Can the Boks wrap up the series? Or will the Lions produce a shock result?

Halftime – The Lions have dominated. Boks look shocked, and haven’t constructed a lot. Mostly because the Lions have dominated possession, and territory to a lesser extent. Is it time to try someone different off the bench? And who?

41st Min – Steyn gets the long kick! Lions lead at halftime 16-8.

40th Min – Bok penalty for crossing over. Just in his own half, Steyn to try and bang it over.

38th Min – Steyn drops the ball as Du Preez ran the ball back in space. The Boks have been shocked, and will have to come from behind to win this one. Will the altitude factor come into play for the last 20?

37th Min – Lions winning the battle of the breakdown. Bok chance with a linout in the Lions half.

36th Min – Wave after wave of Lions attack. Spies made an important cover tackle. Jones takes the drop from in front. Lions 16-5.

31st Min – Boks trying to construct something. But O’Driscoll competes at the ruck and wins a penalty. The rush defence is working well.

25th Min – Kearney hollywood as JP tackles him. Lions defensive penalty.

23rd Min – Steyn misses penalty. Lions still 13-5. Lions 70% possession so far.

22nd Min – Boks get some momentum, after Habana intercepts. Bok penalty just over halfway line. Steyn to take the long kick.

18th Min – Fourie Du Preez weights a kick beautifully. Boks scrum 5m from Lions line. But Lions get penalty from the scrum.

15th Min – Lions get a penalty straight in front of the uprights. Boks offisde. Lions 13-5.

11th Min – Beautiful move from the top of the lineout. JP Pietersen through the gap, Bok try! Ruan Pienaar misses from in front! That could be crucial. Lions 10-5.

11th Min – Schalk Burger returns to the field. Lions still up 10-0.

9th Min – Lions running the ball beautifully from all over the field. Boks have to step up and show what they’ve got.

8th Min – Conversion from Stephen Jones on the sideline.10-0. Boks under pressure.

7th Min – Try! Kearney scores a great try in the right hand corner. 8-0.

5th Min – A frenetic start, Lions starting off strong. Boks need to dominate first phase and settle down.

3rd Min – Stephen Jones penalty, first blood to the Lions 3-0.

2nd Min – Lions penalty for offside. Still not sure what Schalk was binned for.

1st Min – Schalk Burger is yellow carded

Both teams come out to a cauldron with red on one side and green on the other

The second test match between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions takes place on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria.

Both teams will be looking to make significant improvements, after their first test efforts, but for the Lions, they have to take the hard road. After the first game in Durban, at sea level, the Lions had to move to Capetown for their mid-week game. Conditions in Capetown have been wet so far, and are entirely different to what they can expect up at Altitude in Pretoria. They will remain in Capetown for the week, and only travel to Pretoria the day before the test, to try and limit the effects of altitude.

Playing on the highveld, at the fortresses of Loftus and Ellis Park, the challenge of the altitude is just as much mental as it is physical. This is Afrikaans territory, where the crowds are extremely passionate and not altogether friendly (until after the game), and you have to cope with trying to learn the flight of the ball through the rarefied air. And if you can master that, there’s always the burning in your lungs that hits you after 20-30 minutes of chasing the Springboks around. Travelling up the day before, there are the mental games that ask you, “how will I cope in the second half?” Mentally the Lions needed to be up on the highveld at the same time as the Boks, because now they bring that mental uncertainty into the equation.

The fact that so many Bulls are in the Bok side also can’t be underestimated. The Boks grow and extra arm and leg it seems up at Altitude, and the Bulls players just love Loftus. It will motivate them, inspire them and give them the mental relaxation to believe they will win and win well. If the Lions thought that winning at Durban was tough, well things just moved to another level.

The Boks will be so much better off after having their first hit out for the year. Even they wouldn’t have known exactly where they stood, but they can learn from that and work on their shortcomings. The midfield defence will be better, even more so with the inclusion of Schalk Burger.

The side that Pieter de Villiers has named is not the strongest side in my opinion. It was interesting to see Div go with a 5-2 on the bench, as earlier in the week I wondered about the possibility of Ruan Pienaar covering the scrumhalf position seeing as Morne Steyn is also in the side. I was also thinking of a 5-2 split on the bench. The only difference is that my reserves bench wouldn’t have Chiliboy and Andries Bekker.

If the Lions are to have any chance of beating the Springboks, they’ll have to do so through their backs and creating chances through their midfield. The Boks will look to play no risk rugby first, relying on territory and dominance through the forwards. It’s a bit one-dimensional, but it worked in for 60 minutes in Durban, and it won them the world cup in 2007.

The Lions could exploit the weak defence of Jacobs through Roberts and O’Driscoll which will create chances. However they’ll need some clinical finishing unlike last week where Money and co butchered 4-5 chances. Schalk Burger will also shore up the cover defence meaning less chance from second phase. If the Lions can start well and actually take the lead, the Boks may feel the pressure. However the Boks usually start well, and once they get their noses in front, it will be hard to come back. Just as we saw with the Bulls a month ago.

I’m picking a more cohesive display from both sides, but especially the Boks. They’ll start like a house on fire and grow an extra arm and leg with the support of a strong, passionate crowd at Loftus and should have a 10 point lead at the break. The second half is where the pain will begin for the Lions as the pressure and altitude start to take effect and i’m backing the Boks by 20! Look out for strong performances from the Bulls players, especially Spies and Du Preez.

It may have taken 12 years, but finally we’ll set the record straight…