The Springboks and Wallabies both head into a must-win Rugby Championship clash in Adelaide next week faced with nagging questions on the back of big defeats.
The world champions will square up against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on 27 August with both teams desperate to redeem themselves after after record defeats.
After opening their campaign with a victory over New Zealand at Mbombela, the Springboks let a second-half lead slip and slumped to a heavy loss against the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
In a column for SARugbymag.co.za, Zelím Nel questioned the decisions made by the Bok coaching staff during the match, including the decision to start Joseph Dweba and Duane Vermeulen.
“In the buildup to the Ellis Park clash, [Rassie] Erasmus contributed to an avoidable defeat with a string of bad calls.
“Joseph Dweba and Duane Vermeulen weren’t ready to start, Jesse Kriel doesn’t look like a good fit for the Bok defence in the wing position and, when he went off, the backline reshuffle was a muddle.
“Kriel missed a tackle before suffering a match-ending concussion. As had been the case when Kolbe was injured against Wales in Cape Town, Willie le Roux came on at fullback, Damian Willemse shifted to 12 and both centres bumped out one place.
“Four changes for one substitution is silly at the best of times, more so when Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am comprise the best and most cohesive midfield tandem in the world.
“A lack of congruency in defence undermined the Bok comeback and allowed the All Blacks to strike twice in the final seven minutes for the win.”
Meanwhile, the Wallabies are also coming off the back of a heavy defeat by Argentina, after getting their Rugby Championship off to a flying start with a bonus-point victory over Los Pumas.
Managing a Wallabies squad impacted by injuries and the withdrawal of captain Michael Hooper, coach Dave Rennie had to make a few critical calls in the team that lost 48-17 in San Juan.
Writing for Fox Sports Australia, Christy Doran questioned Rennie’s decision to leave up-and-coming playmaker Noah Lolesio out of both squads that faced Argentina.
“One year out from the World Cup, Rennie has huge selection decisions to make in the crucial fly-half and fullback positions – the same two positions that haunted the Wallabies’ campaign in Japan in 2019.
“Quade Cooper’s injury has clouded the situation, but given his season-ending injury, the Wallabies must plan for life without him. Should he return in time, it will only be a bonus.
“For now though Rennie appears to be second-guessing himself.
“Noah Lolesio might not have set the world alight in Sydney in the decider against England, but the decision to sideline the rising 22-year-old for the tour of Argentina has the potential to crush his confidence.
“The decision to promote experienced playmaker James O’Connor in San Juan in the absence of Cooper and a number of other leaders in the squad, including Michael Hooper, Allan Alaalatoa, Dave Porecki and Samu Kerevi was valid.
“But to leave Lolesio out from both matchday squads against Argentina, particularly with O’Connor short on match minutes and specialist centre Irae Simone heading overseas, was extraordinary.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
