Springboks' John Smit talks about poor performance in Tri Nations opener against Wallabies - Rugby
Springboks world cup winning captain and utility forward John Smit, has admitted to his side’s poor performance in their 2011 Tri Nations opener against the Wallabies. Smit was commenting on
the output of his team following the heavy loss the Springboks suffered at the hands of the Wallabies.
Wallabies defeated Springboks 3 9 – 20 at Stadium Australia, Sydney on Saturday, July 23. Wallabies outscored Springboks five try to two in their 19 points margin victory over the relatively
weak Springboks’ side.
Smit has particularly expressed his disappointment with the team’s turnover stats and the ball handling errors in Saturday’s encounter. However, he has praised the performance of the Wallabies
as they fully capitalised on the chances they were provided.
Smith added, “They took full advantage of the ball we spilled. Gee, I would hate to look at our turnover stats and the ball we gave away, they made good decisions with it as well and we rue
those two tries in two minutes in the first half and three tries in eight minutes in the second.”
While replying to a question related to areas on which Springboks need improvement, Smit acknowledged that both forwards and backs have work to do. He added that in the first-half they wasted
easy scoring chances, while in the second-half their defense let them down, allowing the Wallabies to take a huge lead in the game.
Saracens bound Smit has expressed marginal satisfaction with the performance of his side in the second-half. Springboks were trailing by nine points in the start of the second-half and they
managed to score 14 points before the final whistle. They scored thanks to their prop, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Smit, in the 58th and 75th minute respectively.
Smit acknowledged that the final results could have been worse but the players really came back well in the to cut the lead down.
Saturday’s victory has helped Wallabies retain the Mandela Plate.
Springboks will now take on the All Blacks on Saturday, July 30, before heading back to South Africa to play their home games of the 2011 Tri Nations tournament.
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