Springboks forward’s frank admission after first-half substitution against the All Blacks
Ben-Jason Dixon was replaced before the half-time break.
Springboks forward Ben-Jason Dixon has made a frank admission on social media after his early substitution against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
Dixon is a newcomer to the Springboks squad having made his Test debut in the victory over Wales at Twickenham.
The Stormers flanker starred off the bench in the 41-13 victory – his first appearance in Green and Gold – before impressing against Australia in the famous win in Brisbane where he earned his second start for South Africa having donned the seven jumper against Portugal.
Injury denied him the chance of featuring against the Wallabies in Perth but he was available for selection once again in round three of the Rugby Championship and was duly named in the Springboks starting XV to tackle the All Blacks.
Underwhelming performance
Dixon quickly gained praise for his performances in the Springboks jersey having flown rather under the radar with the Stormers but he admitted that he didn’t have his ‘best game’ in his first clash with the All Blacks.
He was solid at lineout time and did make five tackles but he made a costly error in the Springboks half when he attempted a risky offload and the All Blacks pounced.
New Zealand made the most of the turnover ball, eventually freeing up the space for Caleb Clarke to race over the try line. Prior to his error, starting lock Ruan Nortje was forced off the pitch and replaced by Eben Etzebeth in order to undergo a head injury assessment.
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When he returned, head coach Rassie Erasmus opted to call Dixon’s number rather than Etzebeth’s, ending the rookie’s first game against the All Blacks after just 38 minutes.
Dixon has now taken to social media where he addressed his performance.
“[I’m] Honored to have been part of another hard-fought victory with the @bokrugby this weekend!” his post read.
“While the team came out on top, I know I didn’t have my best game out there—but that’s part of the journey.
“Every match is a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Grateful for my teammates, coaches, and all the fans for the unwavering support. Excited to keep pushing forward and giving my all for this incredible team!”
After the match, Erasmus confirmed that the substitution was a ‘tactical’ one as the Boks wanted to preserve some of Pieter-Steph du Toit’s energy by shifting him back to the flank where the scrummaging demands are less tiresome.
Dixon could well get a second shot at the All Blacks this weekend in Cape Town with Erasmus set to name his team on Thursday.
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