Nick Mallett believes the Springboks’ experienced players proved decisive in Saturday’s 42-28 Nations Championship victory over Scotland at Loftus.
While the world champions were pushed hard by a confident Scottish side, Mallett said the class of senior players such as Handré Pollard, Jesse Kriel and Damian Willemse ultimately guided the Boks to their second straight win of the campaign.
“It was pretty much as we predicted,” Mallett said on the Talking Boks podcast.
“We knew that Scotland were an experienced team, they came off a couple of good wins and they were pretty confident coming into this game.
“I thought we started the game really well and used a lot of our physicality, but of course Scotland never go away.
“They’re fighters, they came back and possess a lot of skill, a lot of pace and they’re also reasonably direct and found some holes. Getting up to 14-14 at half-time, I thought, this is very similar to England.”
The Springboks pulled away after the break, with Pollard producing a flawless display from the kicking tee on his way to being named Man of the Match. But not before a late Scottish fightback.
“What I really liked is that the experienced players really came through,” Mallett said. “Handré Pollard played well, I thought Jesse Kriel played well. Damian Willemse was good again whether he was at centre or fullback.
“So the experienced players came through and a lot of youngsters put their hands up as well.
“I think Evan Roos and Elrigh Louw took their chances. All in all, it was a good performance.”
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Mallett also urged patience with fullback Aphelele Fassi, who is continuing his return after a lengthy injury layoff.
“It is a big issue that he’s been out injured for such a long time,” Mallett said.
“It’s one thing training with the Springboks, but it’s completely another getting your timing right on the up-and-unders, getting your timing right with kicking at altitude and making good decisions.
“Fullback is a difficult position. It’s a bit like flyhalf – you need a bit of time there.”
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Despite that, Mallett believes Fassi has made significant strides in the weaker areas of his game.
“I think Fassi just needs to get a bit more confidence. He’s got all the talent and he’s certainly improved on the areas where he was poor.
“He was a very poor defender, he didn’t tackle. He wasn’t great under the high ball for a fullback. He was also told to harden up and do the hard yards, which he did.”
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Mallett: Bok old guard led the way appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Nick Mallett believes the Springboks’ experienced players proved decisive in Saturday’s 42-28 Nations Championship victory over Scotland at Loftus.
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