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 Boks overpower Os Lobos in 13-try feast

It was almost like a game for the virgins..... first-ever Muslim captain, first-ever female to charge of a Springboks game, but, most importantly, it was the first time that Portugal and South Africa ever faced off in a test match. 

Portugal went into this match. Not believing they could beat us but wanting to show what they can do on a big stage. And boy oh boy did they deliver! South Africa, on the other hand, wanted to experiment with quite a few young guys. Although others might think it was a great spectacle, which it was, I don't think we showed enough respect to our opponents by playing at our utmost best. 

 Portugal played very well and should have scored more tries. They never conceded one card, whereas South Africa conceded two yellow cards one of which was later upgraded to a red after being reviewed in the bunker. 

Some match stats;
Lineouts: SA 10/10 vs Portugal 11/12
Scrums: SA 3/4 vs Portugal 8/11 
Handling errors: SA 8 vs Portugal 6 
Tackles made: SA 60 vs Portugal 161
Missed tackles: SA 25 vs Portugal 34 

Looking at the tackles made and missed by both sides, it was clear to me that Portugal did much better than the Boks even though they made more tackles. Their tackle completion rate sits at 78.88% while ours sits at 58.33%. This just shows one of two things: either we didn't commit to our tackles or they just played so well that we miraculously missed 25 tackles. 

Although I would have loved to compare stats between this game and the last game against Ireland, it would not be fair to do so because it is two different sides and two different teams that we fielded. 

Credit must go to all the debutants. I really thought they played well and I am sure that they gave Rassie a headache or two especially considering he'll have to pick a team to face Australia in two weeks. Good luck man! 

This is how I would pick my team to face Australia: 

1. Ox Nche
2. Malcom Marx
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzabeth
5. Franco Mostert
6. Siya Kolisi (c) 
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
8. Jasper Wiese
9. Faf de Klerk
10. Handré Pollard
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
13. Jesse Kriel 
14. Kurt-Lee Arendse 
15. Aphelele Fassi

Reserves: 
16. André-Hugo Venter
17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
18. Trevor Nyakane
19. Salmaan Moerrat
20. RG Snyman
21. Elrich Louw
22. Grant Williams
23. Samian de Allende

Even though the team might look somewhat different (depending on the squad that Rassie will pick) I really think this is a strong team who can beat anyone on the day. 

Australia won't be an easy task and if the Boks play the same way they did last night against Portugal, they will most certainly struggle against the Wallabies. 

Yes, we want to see the Boks play exciting rugby, but, they cannot afford to make the same mistakes. Australia is no joke. Joe Schmidt is working hard on this team he will definitely want to make his mark with a win over the reigning world champions. 

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