How the mighty Springboks have fallen

When your national rugby coach admits that his players’ “performance was not worthy enough for a Springbok jersey”, you realise you have massive problems.

The Springboks lost 30-17 to the Wallabies in a Rugby Championship fourth-round contest in Brisbane on Saturday. It was their second straight defeat to Australia, and with back-to-back fixtures against the in-form All Blacks looming over the next two weekends, it is indeed worrying times for the world champions.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said: “We are sorry, that’s all we can say. We sincerely apologise. Everyone, from management, coaching staff – this was a very poor performance.”

He added: “We were truly beaten. In every department we got hands down beaten – defence, kicking game, attack.”

How far the world champion Springboks have fallen since completing a 2-1 series over the British and Irish Lions just six weeks ago. That triumph was followed up by wins against Argentina on home soil in their opening two rounds of the Rugby Championship, but those victories were far from flattering.

New Zealand’s victory over Argentina at the weekend has all but sealed the Rugby Championship title for them, as they now enjoy a 10-point lead over the Springboks. But the title should be the least of the Springboks’ concerns. Their reputation is on the line after dismal performances against the Wallabies. Their meeting against the All Blacks next weekend will be the 100th Test between the two sides, and New Zealand will certainly be looking to kick a team when they are down.

The Springboks were totally outplayed by a Wallaby side that just weeks ago found themselves in crisis mode after a string of ordinary performances. Ill-discipline, poor executive and sloppy handling has put Nienaber’s team under enormous pressure.

Here’s hoping the Springboks can turn things around in a week. But judging by the last two week’s poor performances, don’t hold your breath.