Morne Steyn set a Tri-Nations record on Saturday by scoring 31 points, chalking up every single one of South Africa’s tally with a try, a conversion and eight penalties.
The damp conditions suited the home side, and they played exactly as anticipated, dominating the forward battle and kicking long-range goals with the enormous boot of Steyn.
New Zealand had led 10-3 after scoring the opening try, but Steyn slotted four penalties and dived over for a try to give his side a 22-13 lead at half time.
Another three penalties after the break completed another home victory for the World Champions that sees them sitting pretty at the top of the Tri-Nations table, and of the IRB World Rankings. The Springboks face Australia in the next round, and look likely to make the most of their three home games in a row.
South Africa do seem to be the best side in the world at the moment, and the way they have dispatched New Zealand twice in a row has been mightily impressive. Two consecutive defeats for New Zealand does not do their standing much good, and for me, it is unlikely that South Africa will be caught.
Would love to hear what some AB fans thought of the game and their current prospects. I thought they looked like a completely different side to the one that had been in a class of their own in the last few years. Sure, they were disappointing at the RWC and have gone a little sideways since, but Saturday’s performance was the worst I have seen for a long time. They made so many basic errors. They couldn’t get the lineout right, and made some very questionable tactical decisions in the heat of battle (like trying to run everything out from their own try line). What’s the deal AB fans? Will they bounce back with more test games under their belt? Can Henry survive this? On this showing I reckon Wales, Ireland, France and England would all fancy a crack at the AB’s on neutral ground.
Respect to the Boks – a class outfit and a pleasure to watch. A lot of criticism of De Villiers on this blog (arising from stupid comments about gouging), but he does seem to have them organized and motivated.
Phil Vickery should take some comfort from seeing the AB front row getting the same treatment he endured.
The AB’s have been poor. Very poor. And given current form we can assume that they are out of the tri nations…however, they lost two games on the fly last year and still went on to win…they are also likely to get Dan Carter back for the next match, fly half has been one of their worst aspects….SA will travel poorly like always, they still haven’t left home. So although it doesn’t look good for the AB’s I still give them some chance.