All Blacks hero highlights two areas the Springboks won as he launches scathing attack on ‘dumb’ French style
Stephen Donald highlights two areas the Springboks won as he's left ‘dumbfounded’ by French style
Stephen Donald has launched a scathing attack on the “dumb” French game-plan following their defeat to the Springboks on Saturday.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘Aftermatch’ podcast, the former All Black claimed that there were two areas in which France struggled against the world champions.
“I thought the Springboks‘ conditioning was far superior than the French forwards,” said the 41-year-old.
“Reinach’s try was an absolute dream try, as a rugby player you dream of those tries, a line break, a chip and regather. It was special. But how did that unfold?
“They went from a set-piece where the [French] tight five should have been defending, but it wasn’t. It wasn’t lightning-quick ball or anything like that, but where they should have got to defensively, they were nowhere near.
“I don’t think Reinach could believe his luck when he looked up and saw absolutely no one defending that short side. And he went straight through – chip and regather, and scored one of the tries of the year.
“But for me, straight away you start to think fitness-wise, and the speed of the game and the physical intent that they started with, clearly they [France] couldn’t maintain it. They might have been able to maintain the physical aspect of the collision, but they couldn’t get around the park to do it, and Reinach took full advantage. So all of a sudden they’re back in the game. Red card happens.”
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Cobus Reinach really did just do it all himself 🔥
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Donald left dumfounded
The Springboks are well known for their physicality and their conditioning levels, so most sides would attempt to avoid going toe for toe in this area. But on Saturday, it appeared that someone had scouted the wrong team, with Donald noting the bizarre attacking strategy employed by the typically dynamic French.
“I’m also dumbfounded with the style of the French, for all their exciting backs, the Penauds of the world, Ramos, Fickou and the likes, these unbelievable backs were left unused.
“They just didn’t use their brilliance, and all they tried to do was just go bashing through the middle with slow running ball. If you’re going to try and bash through South Africans, you’re not going to get too far.
“Even when they [South Africa] were down to 14 men, they weren’t shifting them at all, and they were just playing off Le Garrec. I didn’t really see Ntamack pulling the boys out and taking control. There were pictures of the French team when they’re on attack, and I reckon you could see 13 of them all within about 10 metres of the ruck.
“So that’s putting no stress on a depleted South African defensive line. They [South Africa] know that they can just squeeze up and whatever comes at them, they can bash, and then they can compete at rucks and can even with turnovers, or they can slow the ball down.”
Reflecting on what the typical French game-plan is, Donald added: “I think the French just played so dumb. I wonder how much their game is, ‘just throw it over to the main man, Dupont’. I don’t know if Penaud was spotted after the first 20 minutes, and Bielle-Biarrey, on the other wing, was so underused.”
France will face Fiji on Saturday, in a Test that is sure to be a treat for the neutrals.
