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The Springboks narrow 13 – 8 defeat to Ireland in their much-anticipated Pool B clash on Saturday has led the management to announce that the coaches will weighing up the team’s goal kicking options.
The Springboks returned to their training base in Toulon on Sunday where Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, said that clashes between well-matched teams come down to small margins, with the difference on this occasion determined by goal-kicking.
“When number one in the world plays number two, the game is going to be decided by a margin of one of two or three points played in a really intense Test match atmosphere,” he said, adding that he didn’t think Ireland converted more chances than we did – they just kicked two more penalties than us.
“A good team like Ireland, New Zealand or France are going to keep you out – like we did to Ireland – so converting chances is not easy. They scored one try and we scored one try; it was clear that our problem was that we didn’t convert our goal kicks.”
However, Erasmus said it would be unfair to expect miracles from recalled flyhalf, Handre Pollard, who was called into the squad on Monday following injury to hooker Malcolm Marx.
“Everyone must keep it in perspective,” said Erasmus. “Handre Pollard is not superman and can’t come back as fully ready after playing only 30 minutes of rugby since his injury.
“He can’t just come onto the field to kick goals, he must also be able to sidestep, hand-off, make tackles, clean out at the ruck and that’s obviously not the case now because he has only had a full week’s training with us.
“That’s why he wasn’t up for selection for the squad in the first place, but he is definitely up for selection this week.
“Let’s give Handre a chance to find his rhythm and see how he does with the other stuff. Tonga will be a great yardstick to see how he goes.”
Meanwhile, Erasmus said he was happy with the play of Manie Libbok, the Boks’ first choice flyhalf and goalkicker in 2023.
“Manie is definitely playing brilliant flyhalf rugby at this stage but obviously his goalkicking isn’t matching that,” said Erasmus.
“If you weigh up the different things he does, he makes a great contribution to the team, but he is in a bit of a dip with his goalkicking – he knows it, we know it and the world knows it.”
The Springboks will return to field training on Tuesday after a day of recovery from a bruising encounter.
