Former Welsh centre Scott Gibbs previews the series-deciding second test. He explains why Dan Biggar stands alone in world rugby, how opportunity knocks for the rookie in Tomas Francis’s stead and what excites him about the team of outliers Jacques Nienaber has picked for the battle of Bloem.
As an opening gambit for both sides there will be some pleasing aspects from the first test at Loftus Versfeld but it was certainly not a complete performance from either team. That said, the sell-out fixture in Pretoria created so much theatre and suspense which is always great for test match rugby.
MAN FOR THE BIG(GAR) OCCASION
From a Welsh perspective, I’m hopeful that lessons would have been learned from last weekend and the key aspect was in Wales’ ability to frustrate South Africa.
I think Dan Biggar stands alone in world rugby because there is no one more passionate and with more application and dedication to his craft.
He is verbal for sure and certainly set the tone last Saturday which is as every great leader should. In my view, there is no one else in world rugby that demonstrates the type of aggression and visceral desire to play rugby like Biggar.
In terms of Biggar’s post-match comments of not wanting to roll out the red carpet for the Springboks, there was a lot of white noise in the background leading up to the test and it was his way of hitting back at the media sniping at the players and Welsh team.
Wales gave us more of their voice and they were more expressive not only in the way that they played but also in their aggression and determination at the defensive point.
They tackled low, stopped the Springboks at source and frustrated their go-forward ball. The first 20 minutes of the Boks’ onslaught was defused to some degree which enabled Wales to stay in the game, get field position and opportunistically take both first half tries.
Provided they can piece together a more deliberate game plan to continue to frustrate or upset the Boks’ rhythm and moment, South African supporters will be wary of the Welsh threat in the second test match in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
POLLARD COULD PROVE PIVOTAL
The Boks like to start in high gear and impose their physicality on the gain line. Handre Pollard, who has been recalled at flyhalf, creates more of an issue for any defence with his ability to run off line which creates separation in defence.
If the Boks get go-forward ball by coming around the corner and hitting more inside shoulders, the height of the tackle has to elevate slightly which takes more energy.
When your tackle level goes from ankles to thighs to upper chest and above, it becomes more risky. Both sides need to keep it super clean otherwise yellow and red cards are set to ensue.
TOURS EXPOSE YOUNG TALENT
Tighthead prop Tomas Francis clearly took a very big knock on Saturday and has been ruled out for the remainder of the series with concussion. It is sad to see someone of that calibre depart and leaves the front row position up for grabs.
The two rookies vying for the jersey haven’t had any big game time experience but tours are all about exposing young talent to big match scenarios.
Apart from the four yellow cards Wales accrued in the first test, that was one of the best away performances ever from a Welsh team. I think the intensity and speed around the park is going to improve exponentially from both sides now that they have had a feel for each other.
Wales will know that there is still a bit left in their playbook and there is still a lot of talent in that backline that only had a few touches and small exposure to the game on Saturday because it was an arm-wrestle.
WALES CHASING ELUSIVE WIN
For Wales, freedom of expression should continue and they also need to be bold and not play within themselves. There will be a strategic game plan but there is certainly more talent on that field and in that squad that can come in and provide an impetus for Wales to get the illusive win that they will be chasing.
I have every confidence the second test will elevate the heights of our own expectations.
The Springboks have selected an all-star team for the second test in every definition. It’s a team of outliers who are on form. Wales will be baffled by the initial selection but will see it as a challenge because unless there is a cooperative where this team can gel after only a few days of practice, a confident and settled Wales team will look at this and see it as a perfect opportunity to level the series.
That said, I don’t for one minute see this turning into some Barbarians-type exhibition but there is so much unique talent within this all-star set-up that the instinct may be to break the mould.
The halfback paring of Jaden Hendrikse, who has been in super form, and Pollard will have to orchestrate the pulse and the pace.
It’s lovely to see the latter captaining and it’s an eye on what a potential future captain looks like, with Pollard having captained all the way through the age ranks.
*** Gibbs was a member of the British & Irish Lions team that beat South Africa 2-1 in the 1997 series.
> > > Catch the second test live on SuperSport Premium on DStv this Saturday, 9 July, from 4pm, with kick-off at 5.05pm.