Bumbling Boks are hurting

The Springboks went down 20-26 in Cape Town. It was the first of three matches against the Irish in June

Ireland were reduced to 14 men in the 22nd minute after CJ Stander was red-carded for clattering into Springbok flyhalf Patrick while attempting to charge down a kick. 

Ireland were also reduced to 13 men nine minutes before half-time when centre Robbie Henshaw was yellow-carded for high tackle on Elton Jantjies.

Despite having a man advantage for most of the game, the Springboks were unable to stamp their authority on the game.

"We are very disappointed with both the performance and the result," Coetzee told reporters after the game.

"It is hurting - it is not an ideal start, but as a collective we take full responsibility for that. We have disappointed ourselves.

"I also have to give credit to the Irish. I think with 14 men, they were outstanding. 

"There are no excuses - we were poor. We understand that we need to fix it and we have to come back in this series next week."

Coetzee said his team's ill-discipline was one of the major contributing factors for their demise.

"Test rugby is completely different to Super Rugby. You cannot allow your discipline to break your rhythm. 

"Once you fall back in Test rugby it becomes a tough task to stay in the contest. It is the first time I have witnessed the Springboks conceding eight penalties or more in the first half and that just broke the rhythm.

"Added to that, there were a few execution mistakes and unforced mistakes. When we wanted to attack, the ball got dislodged or we would lose it in the contact or on the ground.

"There is a lot to work on, and we have to fix it," he added.

The Springbok coach believes their is no longer a gulf in class between teams in the Southern Hemisphere and those in the Northern Hemisphere.

"What we have seen today [Saturday] is how well the Northern Hemisphere teams have actually caught up to the rest of the world," Coetzee said.

"The Welsh were leading against the All Blacks at half-time and England put in a brilliant performance to beat Australia - the Irish beat us with 14 men."

The next Test between South Africa and Ireland will be played in Johannesburg next weekend. The third and final Test takes place on June 25 in Port Elizabeth.

By Warren Fortune

@rugby365com