Damian de Allende says the Springboks took a hard look at themselves at half-time before producing a dominant second-half display against England.
The veteran centre – who was named Man of the Match – said the world champions expected England to fight back after their fast start.
“It was a tough old Test match. I think we started really well, but we all know how good this England team is and we knew they’d come back,” said De Allende.
“I thought we were very accurate in the beginning – those first 15 to 20 minutes – and then probably a bit of ill-discipline crept in and we let all the pressure off. They then started putting pressure on us.
“When we went into half-time, we had to ask some serious questions of ourselves and I thought the way we started the second half was incredible and it was a great reaction from the players coming out of the sheds.”
PSDT: Boks expected England fightback
Despite England’s resurgence before the break, De Allende praised the Boks for standing firm defensively when it mattered most.
“I think we defended well in patches and we stopped a try over the line in the first half.”
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With the opening hurdle cleared, the 34-year-old said the Springboks can now turn their attention to next Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld.
“It was a great performance from the lads. We’ll rest up and look forward to next week.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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Damian de Allende says the Springboks took a hard look at themselves at half-time before producing a dominant second-half display against England.
The post Doogz: Boks had to ask some serious questions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
