It was definitely a tale of two halves. In the first half the Springboks looked comfortable, in control and dangerous. Schalk Burger's try looked to be an indication that it would be a typical Springbok game with the Boks looking to wear out the opposition and secure a comfortable victory.
A "never-say-die" Irish team came out in the second half with a solid defence and secured vital points with the boot. My question is, why did no one tell Morne Steyn that he was very far away from the Highveld!? It was obvious to everyone that the thick air which blanketed Croke Park was keeping Steyn from reaching his usual range.
The Bok lineout was a mess and quite simply the Irish knew what to expect. This was probably a result of lots of video analysis and Gert Smal. The former Bok forwards coach knows Matfield better than most and this proved to be vital.
Why would you take off BJ Botha when the Bok scrum (without Bakkies Botha) was far too powerful for the Irish pack!? When BJ left the field, the difference was clearly evident - bad management Mr Peter de Villiers.
Forget fatigue and forget blaming the ref, the Boks gave a very lacklustre performance and lacked any urgency. This was not due to fatigue, it was due to lack of motivation and bad management. I feel there is a certain complacency creeping into the Bok team and if management do not stamp it out then it will be a real problem!
The Boks are the the World Champions but didn't play like it. No excuses, it just wasn't good enough.
A disappointing ending to a superb season. Well done Ireland.
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