At the Vélodrome stadium,
First actions, then words. It is in this sense that the World Champions in title South Africa displayed all their collective power, Sunday evening at the Stade Vélodrome, during their victory against Scotland (18-3) for their entry into the running in this Rugby World Cup 2023.
On the ground first. Not in the first half, nevertheless won (6-3), but as soon as we got back from the locker room as if we had to meet for a few minutes to tell each other things. “The conversations were clear: we thought we were going to improve in the scrum, and we came out with more energy,” said captain Siya Kolisi afterwards.
“Defense is the most beautiful thing for me”
It is precisely with full of energy that they first repelled the attacks of the XV du Chardon, with a defense that was simply impassable. “Clearly, the defense is the best thing for me, but you have to say bravo to Scotland who played with great speed and who are very innovative in attack”, said elsewhere congratulated coach Jacques Nienaber. While Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie admitted that “it’s not another level, it’s a different style. They leave their line very quickly to come and put pressure on you. »
Defensive pressure, then offensive pressure to then score their first try. Thanks to Du Toit, and to the forward line, by coming to explode the defensive line before flattening (46th). A decisive action, just after a won scrum.
“A more offensive game than during the last World Cup”
Confident of their collective power, Jacques Nienaber’s men could therefore hint at developments in their offensive play. And less than five minutes later the opening half Mannie Libbok, who is playing his first World Cup, came to gratify the Vélodrome stadium with a blind pass at the foot to make Dimitri Payet blush. The twirling winger Kurt-Lee Arendse only had to flatten to seal the match (50th), even before the hour mark.
An action that makes Gregor Townsend, the Scottish coach, say that the Springboks “play a more attacking game than at the last World Cup”. An evolution precisely desired by Jacques Nienaber, and symbolized by Mannie Libbok and a game now also developed for the backs and wingers. “What’s key for us after 2019, because rugby has changed a bit, is still being able to have a defensive game and a kicking game to be able to win games when worn out. But we also have to score points. Today the teams that win are those that score a lot of points,” the South African coach rightly clarified.
The collective is stronger than clumsiness
His team should have scored more points had it not been for Mannie Libbok’s lack of precision, with only two penalties scored out of five attempted. A paradox, when we see his precision on foot in the game, which could become the weak point of South Africa in the absence of Handré Pollard, injured? “Not when he is elected man of the match,” said Jacques Nienaber with a smile. An awkwardness in any case compensated for by this superb pass for his winger, and the collective power of the Boks. A new time.
And if you doubt it, listen to captain Siya Kolisi, who insisted on defending his teammate: “Sometimes you don’t do something well. But the way he attacked, the way he is with us, with the group, we forget his mistakes. And if he doesn’t succeed, someone can take over. It’s the same for me. If someone is lacking somewhere, someone else takes over. Sometimes the flyhalf tackles well but doesn’t kick well. That’s why we all work together, as a group. »
The recipe for finally winning in their first World Cup match, after two setbacks in 2015 and 2019. Enough to put yourself in a perfect position in this group in this group B of death with Ireland, the Tonga islands and Romania, and aim for the quarters, against the Blues?