Kitshoff says Bok forwards must ‘take control’ on tricky turf

The move to Cape Town Stadium from one of the most famous homes of rugby in Newlands has come under fresh scrutiny after the turf broke up often during scrum time, not helping the Springboks in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions, according to loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff.

Cape Town Stadium was originally built for soccer and the pitch did not stand up to the rigours of international scrummaging at the weekend.

The Springboks, using two quality front rows, were expecting to gain some dominance in the scrums, providing them with an important attacking platform, but they struggled to get the purchase required.

The second and third Tests are both being played at the same venue, having been moved from Johannesburg due to Covid, and it seems highly unlikely that any more changes to the schedule will be made.

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“The field cut up a lot and it was difficult to plant and use your feet. The grass just gives way and it becomes very slippery,” Kitshoff said.

“There are things we can work on to prevent that – everyone having all eight studs in the ground helps a lot. The referee also called ‘Use it!’ at the scrums quite quickly, probably because he didn’t want re-sets.

“Our scrum was rock-solid and we were starting to feel the cracks coming in the opposition, so we have to try and get our momentum a bit quicker. We have to find solutions to these problems quickly so we can take control as a group of forwards.”

While there have been some bombastic predictions that the Springboks are now heading for a series whitewash, Kitshoff spoke of the quiet determination within the team to repeat what they did at the World Cup.

Having been beaten by the All Blacks in the opening game at the 2019 showpiece in Japan, South Africa did not lose again as they went on to win the title.

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“It’s a similar feeling to after that World Cup loss. We only lost by five points, some things just did not go our way and we struggled very badly in certain areas,” Kitshoff said.

“But there is still a good vibe in the camp and we are very positive, although very disappointed in the result.

“We know how to fight back and get off the ground for the second game. We’re excited for a big game of rugby.

“The Lions did really well to take away some of our strong points, but as country we always fight back and come back stronger.”