South Africa had lost their ‘group decider’ against NZ before bouncing back and really putting Namibia to the sword. However, there was a possible upset in the air when Italy were in town. The game in Florence had rocked the rugby world, and perhaps was an overused reason for Italy’s chance. Crucially though, Italy had played well in their preceding games. The Itallian back row had dominated but they changed for this game bringing Parisee in.
However this threat did not materialise. Italy stuck with South Africa until an idiotic decision by their two looseheads. The tackle sent shockwaves of disgust echoing throughout the world but this was not the reason they lost, whilst it accelerated the result South Africa were magnificent and their defence was able to drive Italy backward. Not to say Italy didn’t have a chance, with a 40% follow on rate they were continuing attacks, they just struggled to continue their pressure.
But let us not focus on the red card. It is important instead to look at where SA targeted Italy. They were moving the ball from side to side and really stretching the defence. However whilst they continued working to an edge, often they would try and kick in behind targeting space.
However it is important to point out that there are 2 aims with any kick, to gain territory or regather and attack from a new position. Obviously there are multiple facets of each kick and both can come in many forms but on simplistic level those are the options available to a team.
In the following example South Africa have a move set up, however the ball goes to ground. This leads to them being disorganised and unable to use their strike play. However, the ball still works it’s way wide and Kolbe kicks in behind. This is designed to be taken by his inside runner. However the runner is offside and they instead comeback for the scrum penalty.
Because South Africa are able to beat the outside edge of the Itallian defence, it means they can be positive in attack. In the image above they have multiple players in motion. This fixes the defence in position and prevents them from drifting.
The above image shows that he is barely offside but more importantly shows their efficiency in attack. South Africa have managed to get 2 runners into the outside channel. Whilst they have had to shift the ball to Kolbe right on the edge it does show a strength of South Africa having a physical game, whilst having the skills and finesse to truly stretch a defence.
It was not merely attack however where SA had an edge. In defence the IItallians were shunted back constantly. The aggressive South african defence was not something the Itallians were able to deal with often getting pushed back and out of dangerous areas.
The below examination is based off a play in the 33rd minute where Italy have a lineout in the South Africa 22. They begin well coming forward through the lineout. However after a couple of phases momentum stalls and they begin getting hit back, with SA cutting off options.
In the image above for example the penultimate SA defender has jumped out of line, whilst creating a dog leg he shepards Italy inside. This prevents any danger in the wide area and stops the momentum of the attack.
This simple extra work by South Africa is really effective. It is shown yet again on the other wing by Kolbe who jumps out and makes a tackle stopping an Italian foray on his wing. This time however he makes the tackle going around the ball and stopping any use of his wing. This simple effective tactic has been a tactic employed by Rassie Erasmus’ men for a while and due to its simplicity is something to be admired.
Overall South Africa can be pleased, and whilst Italy were in the game, they held on by their fingertips with no real scoring threat.South africa, the main focus of this piece, are building nicely. The defensive structures they have put in place will challenge any team. The combination with a strong varied attack stand them in good stead going towards the Quarter Finals.
The Analysis Guy 