Tri-Nations / Paul Moon / 29 August 2008 / 2 Comments

South Africa have probably the best squad in world rugby but their play is stunted by a bumbling coach, says Paul Moon.

In Durban last week Australia recorded only their second victory in 16 Tests in South Africa since the Springboks were re-admitted to international rugby and their first since 2000. This was a third successive Tri-Nations defeat for the sorry and confused South Africans. Can the Aussies rub more salt into a gaping wound this Saturday 30 August 2008 at Ellis Park, Johannesburg?

The South Africans are out of the title reckoning, playing only for pride and possibly the job of Peter de Villiers. The Wallabies victory last week guarantees a Tri-Nations title clash against New Zealand in Brisbane on 13 September 2008 and what a game that will be!

With rumours of disunity and confusion among South African players, bumbling de Villiers accepted responsibility for the debacle though he churlishly claimed the Springboks should have won in Durban. Boos resonating around the ABSA Stadium were a clear indication of the fare served up by his side.

The Springboks great win in Dunedin must seem a long time ago. Their disappointing and disjointed play bordered on tragedy! Eddie Jones has turned up the heat on Peter de Villiers by describing his new game plan as rubbish and predicts that things will get much worse. Could he be right?

The South Africa squad is still probably the best in world rugby but the philosophy of de Villiers cuts against the grain. South Africans are a proud nation and, traditionally conservative, their rugby demands organisation with discipline.

SARU president Regan Hoskins said he would back de Villiers but added he could not pre-empt a mandatory evaluation of the coach following the Tri Nations series. He accepted that the patience of the supporters is being taxed and the buck stops with him. Was that the dreaded vote of confidence in de Villiers?

Regarding matters on the pitch hooker Bismarck du Plessis (knee) and captain Victor Matfield (groin) will play despite their injuries. Flying winger Bryan Habana has failed a fitness test and will not play. Wing Odwa Ndungane comes in for the injured J P Pietersen and prop Brian Mujati replaces the suspended C J Van der Linde. Francois Steyn drops out due to a concussion and is replaced by utility back Ruan Pienaar.

The Wallabies squad were astounded after Elsom was originally handed a one-match suspension for what was deemed dangerous play when he pulled down Boks skipper Victor Matfield at a lineout in the second half of last Saturday's victory in Durban.

There were far worse incidents in the game including Francois Steyn tackling Drew Mitchell when the Wallabies fullback was in the air. Butch James was out of control throughout the game with several illegal tackles. Talisman and flanker Elsom has since been cleared to play.

Deans favourite and rugby league convert Timana Tahu will replace injured Berrick Barnes for his first starting Test for the Wallabies. He is set to accompany Stirling Mortlock as inside centre. To my amazement Hugh McMeniman has been selected over Dean Mumm for injured Dan Vickerman's second-row spot. Mumm has the ability to nullify the Springboks strength in the lineout so perhaps he is carrying a knock?

Some players are going to feel the effect of this arduous campaign and it is hard to gauge who will turn up for the races. I find it impossible to pick the winner of this dead rubber. It is worth remembering that Australia has only once previously won consecutive Tests in Africa and that was 45 years ago. Latest Betfair prices at Ellis Park on Saturday show: South Africa [1.76] Australia [2.44] Draw [29].

This has been a tough and intense competition and with the confused South Africans struggling at the breakdown and looking flat they will carry pride into the game but not my money. There is a look of fractured desperation about them. Alas the Springboks remain World Cup holders but no longer world champions.