The current Wallabies outfit are as mediocre as the back-to-back world champion Springboks are mighty, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The Boks scored five tries to one as Rassie Erasmus’ charges crushed Australia 33-7 in the opening match of the 2024 Rugby Championship in Brisbane on Saturday.
After leading 21-0 at half time with three converted tries, the South Africans crossed twice more in the second period as the hosts ran out of steam in the face of a fierce Bok assault.
The only Australia try came late in the match when the visitors were reduced to 13 men following yellow cards to Malcolm Marx and Marco van Staden.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane praises Pieter-Steph du Toit for his exceptional performance at Suncorp Stadium. Redeployed at No 5 after a late withdrawal by RG Snyman, Du Toit delivered a masterclass, reminding everyone of his abilities.
ALSO: Siya hails ‘important’ start for Boks
Keohane highlights the sharp contrast between the current states of both teams: the Boks, as reigning world champions, are a formidable force, while the Wallabies are at their lowest ebb, searching for an identity after a disastrous 2023.
“The Boks won 33-7 and while the points differential matched the 26 of 2013, there is no comparison to the South African dominance in the most recent win,” he writes.
“Much has changed in rugby for the two nations since 2013. The Boks are back-to-back world champions, and the Wallabies are at their lowest ebb.
“Kolisi’s Boks can make a case for being one of the greatest Bok teams, while the Wallabies of 2024 are searching for an identity after the horror of 2023 when their only two wins were against Georgie and Portugal.
“The Wallabies, right now, are as mediocre as the world champion Boks are mighty. Champion teams make championship statements, and the Boks did this…”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
