Boks 35 – 8 Samoa

The Boks second string failed to completely impress, despite outscoring the Samoans by five tries to one.

Going into the break leading 23-3, it looked set to be an all Bok second half but it was not to be. A spirited fightback from Samoa saw the Springboks forced onto the back foot and having to defend for virtually the entire second half. The Samoan backs looked full of running in this period and used the limited ball they received to good effect. They were rewarded with a try by Anitelela Tuilaga in the 76th minute.

The Boks were their own worst enemies, putting themselves under unnecessary pressure with numerous unforced errors resulting in good first phase ball being squandered. The Samoans were not much better in this respect, wasting their limited chances and enabling the Boks to stay in the game.

The first Bok try came from a Skinstad lineout take which he skillfully popped inside to John Smit who barreled over. Skinstad enjoyed a good all-round game doing well in the lineouts, looking for work around the field and displaying some good defense later on.

Luke Watson played well until he was forced off through injury in the seventh minute of the second half. Whether or not Jake White believes in the role of a fetcher, Watson gave a good display of why he is one of the best in the country – turning over some possession and generally having a solid game. He left the field with what appeared to be a rib injury after being smashed from the side at a ruck.

The Bok front row of Os Du Randt, John Smit and BJ Botha absolutely annihilated their opponents. The tourists had no answers and were forced to employ underhanded tactics. This resulted in loosehead Justin Va’a being despatched to the sin bin for repeated offences.

In the backline, the standout players were Wayne Julies and JP Pietersen. Waylon Murray had a nervous start to his international career but will no doubt improve with more exposure to the top-flight. JP Pietersen continued his excellent form for the Sharks, enjoying some good runs and displaying his deceptively fast pace.

Derick Hougaard had an OK game but was often too willing to put boot to ball in promising attacking situations, while slow delivery continued to emanate from the hands of Ricky Januarie.

All in all it was a worthwhile exercise to give some of the young guys a chance to show what they could do. The fairly poor handling and spoiling tactics of the Samoans robbed the game of any spectacle, but a few good things did emerge:

1. The scrum was awesome – Os Du Randt showing why he is one of the best, although being very quiet around the park today.
2. Skinstad looks to be heading towards his form of old and provided good cover as captain when Smit went off to the bloodbin.
3. Luke Watson did well considering all the pressure on him, and gives the Boks an excellent fetcher option if that is what is required by White. Although Wannenburg was brilliant when he came on to replace Watson.
4. Our second string locks Albert van den Berg and Johann Ackermann were solid and are good backup to the number one combo.
5. The re-emergence of Wayne Julies as a potent midfield threat.

So we are looking quite good in the lead-up to the World Cup – especially in terms of depth and backup. You know, Jake just needs to work on his after-match press conferences. To be honest. You know. To be fair. You know…

Boks
Tries: John Smit, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Pedrie Wannenburg, Percy Montgomery
Conversion: Derick Hougaard, Percy Montgomery
Penalties: Hougaard (2)

Samoa
Try: Anitelela Tuilagi
Penalty: Gavin Williams