KweséESPN looks at five takeaways from the Springboks' stunning win over the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship match in Wellington.
Where has that good old South African spirit been?
The Springboks displayed the passion of a doorstop against Argentina in Mendoza and Australia in Brisbane. They then sent out mixed signals this week, as coach Rassie Erasmus said his job is on the line, while forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot mentioned that they are purely focusing on the World Cup. But then, from the first minute to the 84th, the Boks showed that type of determination and character that have epitomised previous victories over the All Blacks in New Zealand. That never-say-die spirit shone through and blinded the All Blacks at times at the Westpac Stadium. The team rightly copped a lot of criticism over the last few weeks, but they stood up individually and as a collective. The coaching staff, too ...
An all-encompassing game and passion can live together as one ...
But it wasn't just their determination and physicality on defence that helped pull this match out of the fire. The Springboks executed brilliantly under pressure and took their chances in the All Blacks' 22 with some great skill and decision-making. This is the only way to beat the All Blacks -- matching them up front and getting in their faces, but also being creative and hitting them hard with ball in hand when there is an opportunity to do so. In the previous games we saw the Boks dominate -- not in Mendoza -- up front, but then letting themselves down with a stray pass, a aimless kick or a bad option. Against the All Blacks they did everything well.
The All Blacks are human after all ...
The All Blacks bled and their blood was red just like the rest of the rugby fraternity when the Springboks cut with some ferocious defending. The South Africans got in their faces with double tackles and big hits that made the home side play behind the advantage line. Momentum is the All Blacks' big weapon: it allows the likes of Beauden Barrett and the rest of his outside backs to show off their silky skills and running ability with ball in hand. But the All Blacks, who had more than two-thirds of the possession on the night, made more mistakes in 80 minutes of rugby than they have over the last five years combined. The quick throw-in that led to Willie le Roux's try in the first half was an example of the home side forcing things, while you would have bet your house on them scoring at the end before the knock-on led to the Boks' victory.
Nigel Owens almost cost the Springboks the win ...
The Welshman is the best referee in the world and was the right man for the job. He had been involved in some epic battles between the two teams in the past, most notably the 2013 classic at Ellis Park, which is still regarded as one of the best Test matches ever played. This Test will be right up there when the historians look back at great clashes, but they will note that Owens nearly spoiled it. Owens and his assistant referees missed a plethora of knock-ons, and missed quite a few decisions that led to tries for the All Blacks. Rieko Ioane seemed to have lost the ball forward in the lead-up to the try just before half-time, while Owens penalised the Springboks instead of the retreating All Blacks close to their line, which also led to a try for the home side.
Jantjies and Pollard in the same backline? Yes please!
Damian de Allende was outstanding for the Boks before he went off injured. He guarded his channel like a champion and made some valuable metres for the Boks with ball in hand. However, the Springboks just seemed to be a lot more dynamic, especially when they had the possession early in the second half, when Jantjies moved into flyhalf and Handré Pollard slotted in at inside centre. Suddenly the passing was crisp, and the duo played a massive part in Aphiwe Dyantyi's second try, especially Jantjies who put tighthead prop Frans Malherbe into a gap before drawing three defenders and creating space for the left wing to score. It was also great to have that right- and left-kicking options when the Boks had to clear their lines at the death. They could become a great combo going forward.