Eddie Jones claims Springboks ‘seduced’ by Ellis Park atmosphere and pinpoints what they were lacking against Wallabies
Eddie Jones claims Springboks 'seduced' by Ellis Park atmosphere and pinpoints what they were lacking against Wallabies
Former Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has claimed that the Springboks were “seduced” by the festival atmosphere at Ellis Park on Saturday as they found themselves sucked into an expansive style of play that suited the visitors.
Jones suggested that the lack of “experience” in the South African backline contributed towards the 38 unanswered points conceded after the first 20 minutes, saying that the squad were not able to “consolidate” after their fast start.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones highlighted the impact that a settled squad could have, saying: “Australia are now in their second year under Joe [Schmidt], and they’ve accumulated some experience. Wilson’s been captain for a period of time now. They’ve got some good senior players in there, like Skelton.
“They just kept calm. The bad thing is to panic a little bit and chase the game. They didn’t chase the game. They stayed at it.
Springboks ran out of steam
“On the other side, South Africa probably wanted to play like that first 20, but the game of rugby is so intense now, it’s hard to play with that speed for longer than 20 minutes. You almost need to consolidate for a period after that, and then your bench comes on, and then you can accelerate the game again.
“You look at the natural flow of most games, they’re like that. The first 20 minutes are intense, then a middling period of 40 minutes, and then the last 20 accelerates.”
Jones was pleased with what he saw from his former side, adding: “Great credit to Australia that they just hung in the game, stayed in there.
“James O’Connor was really instrumental there, because he was nice and calm and physical, didn’t overplay his game, didn’t go chasing the game. And they were able to get enough points to then put themselves in a position where they were putting pressure on South Africa to play differently. South Africa went and chased the game, which is most unusual for South Africa.”
La Bamba at Ellis Park
Jones noted the external factors that could have played a part in the Wallabies’ remarkable victory, suggesting that the festival-style atmosphere suited the more fluid and relaxed Wallabies playing style, and that the Springboks simply weren’t able to regain control.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever heard La Bamba played at Ellis Park. So it was almost like the marketing had grabbed the game, and it was this fun festival atmosphere. And I think, even the best teams can get seduced by it,” he continued.
“South Africa, you look at their record over the last period of time, one of the best teams I’ve seen for a long time, and they got seduced by playing like that, and didn’t really have the experience to get themselves back on track again. If you look at their selection, there are very few experienced players in their back line.
“You just can’t play fast and furious like that for longer than 20 minutes. You’ve got one carrier and you’ve got to have two blokes that then run great support lines and then do their job at the breakdown, so the accuracy of the intensity of that contest, it’s hard to keep doing for longer periods.
“You watch Rugby League, and they just hit one up, and that’s all they’ve got to worry about. With us, we’ve got one ball carrier, then you’ve got to have two support players who’ve got to be fast, they’ve got to be accurate, and they’ve got to be able within the judgment of the referee.”
Speaking in real terms as to how the intensity got to the hosts, Jones said: “South Africa got pulled up for one from the side early, which most referees would probably let go. He didn’t let go, and then that becomes a turnover and changes the game to some extent.”
