The Springboks clawed their way to a 32-14 victory against Italy in the Autumn Nations Series, but the real story isn't just about the scoreboard. It's about resilience, questionable refereeing, and a 'Bomb Squad' that once again lived up to its explosive reputation. But here's where it gets controversial: was that red card justified? Let's dive into the winners and losers from this intense clash at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Winners:
Damian Willemse: Redemption Achieved
Willemse's performance against Italy was nothing short of spectacular, a stark contrast to his outing against France. After struggling to find his rhythm and being subbed off early against France, Willemse returned with a vengeance. The 27-year-old played the full 80 minutes and was a constant threat, solid under the high ball, injecting pace into the attack, and putting in some bone-rattling tackles. His all-around brilliance earned him the Man of the Match award, a deserved recognition of his impact.
The Springboks' Bench: The 'Bomb Squad' Explodes Again
For the second week in a row, the Springboks found themselves playing with 14 men for a significant portion of the game. Franco Mostert's early red card (more on that later) forced a flurry of substitutions before the half-hour mark. Ben-Jason Dixon, Zachary Porthen, Boan Venter, and Edwill van der Merwe made way for Ruan Nortje, Wilco Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Andre Esterhuizen respectively. Just like against France, Nortje and Esterhuizen spearheaded the Boks' response, with Louw and Steenekamp providing crucial support. The famed 'Bomb Squad' delivered, injecting fresh energy and power. But the entire bench deserves credit. Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Manie Libbok, and Grant Williams all made positive contributions, securing a hard-fought victory. We can say that the strategic use of the bench is arguably one of South Africa's biggest strengths.
Ethan Hooker: Versatility Personified
The Springboks surprised many by starting Hooker at inside centre, a position he hadn't played internationally this year. But Hooker proved his versatility, switching between centre, wing, and even packing down as a flanker in scrums due to the red card. As the game progressed, Hooker grew in confidence, culminating in a well-taken try in the closing stages. He latched onto a pinpoint cross-field kick from Libbok to score his first Test try, sealing the win. This showcased his adaptability and value to the team.
Canan Moodie: Composure Under Pressure
Alongside Hooker, Moodie formed an inexperienced midfield partnership. The early red card put immense pressure on this young duo, but Moodie rose to the occasion. He combined well with Hooker, marshaling the defense effectively. But he also showcased his attacking flair, beating Louis Lynagh with some fancy footwork before offloading to Williams for a crucial try in the 72nd minute. Moodie demonstrated maturity beyond his years.
Juan Ignacio Brex: Leading by Example
Despite the loss, Italy's captain, Juan Ignacio Brex, stood out. In only his second match as captain, Brex delivered an outstanding all-round performance. He showed deft touches in attack, keeping the Springboks' defense honest, and worked tirelessly on defense. Following a win against the Wallabies, the defeat against the Boks doesn't diminish his leadership. He should definitely retain the captaincy for the rest of the Autumn Nations Series and the upcoming Six Nations.
Johan Grobbelaar: Seizing the Opportunity
After Mostert’s red card disrupted the Boks’ lineout in the early stages, hooker Grobbelaar recovered well. He found his jumpers, impressed with his general play, carried the ball with intent, and put his body on the line in defense. A crucial turnover in the second half highlighted his impact. Grobbelaar's performance will likely elevate his standing in the squad, positioning him as a strong backup to Malcolm Marx for the match against Ireland.
Danilo Fischetti: Scrum Dominance
Italian prop Danilo Fischetti also deserves praise. He dominated the scrums early on, forcing the Springboks to replace rookie prop Porthen. Fischetti continued to perform well against the more experienced Louw. Beyond his scrummaging prowess, Fischetti was also visible around the park, carrying the ball and contributing on defense.
Losers:
Match Officials: A Controversial Call
Let's address the elephant in the room: the red card. While we usually avoid criticizing officiating, the decision to issue a permanent red card to Franco Mostert for his tackle on Garbisi felt harsh. At worst, it seemed like a 20-minute red card offence. Television replays showed that Mostert's initial contact was on Garbisi's chest, with subsequent contact to the head. Referee James Doleman, after consulting with the TMO, deemed the tackle always illegal, with no mitigation. This decision is likely to spark debate, and it will be interesting to see if Mostert's red card is overturned or downgraded. What's your take? Was this a fair call, or did the officials get it wrong?
Franco Mostert: A Costly Mistake (Maybe?)
Regardless of whether the red card was justified, Mostert's dismissal will impact his participation in the rest of the Autumn Nations Series. Even if the red card is downgraded, he's likely to face a suspension, potentially missing the crucial match against Ireland. With Lood de Jager already sidelined, the Springboks could be without two key World Cup-winning locks. Do you think the potential suspension is a fair consequence, even if the red card decision was questionable?
Paolo Garbisi: A Day to Forget
This wasn't Garbisi's finest hour. Despite his forwards giving him a solid platform, especially after Mostert's dismissal, he failed to capitalize. The Toulon star, usually a dynamic playmaker, struggled to unlock the Springboks' defense. His kicking, both at goal and out of hand, was also below par, allowing the Springboks to stay in the game. Missing three out of six penalty or conversion attempts proved costly. It just wasn't his day.
Handré Pollard: Limited Opportunity
Pollard didn't necessarily do anything wrong. He executed his core duties well. However, the circumstances of the match prevented him from delivering a commanding performance to remind Rassie Erasmus of his abilities. With the Boks on the back foot, they couldn't afford to take risks. Pollard’s selection was perhaps a pragmatic choice, but he didn't have the opportunity to showcase his attacking skills. He's been left out of the matchday 23 for several Tests, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok ahead of him in the pecking order, and that trend is unlikely to change for the Ireland game.
Stephen Varney: Unable to Replicate Previous Success
After shining against the Wallabies, Varney entered the game against the Springboks with confidence. However, he couldn't replicate that performance, even with his side having a numerical advantage for much of the match. His decision-making wasn't up to par, and he was eventually replaced in the 66th minute.
Inexperienced Boks Forwards Duo: Sacrificed for the Cause
Mostert's red card had a ripple effect, particularly on the inexperienced forwards, Dixon and Porthen. Their teammate's dismissal resulted in them being subbed off early. Dixon was making his first Test appearance of 2023 (after his debut last year), and Porthen was only playing in his second Test. Erasmus' hand was forced, and the experience of Nortje and Louw proved crucial. While Dixon and Porthen are unlikely to feature against Ireland, they'll be hoping for another opportunity against Wales. They were, in a sense, casualties of circumstance.
What are your thoughts on the refereeing decisions? Did the Springboks' 'Bomb Squad' truly save the day, or were there other factors at play? Let us know in the comments below!
