Ex-Springbok boss blames TWO players for 'embarrassing' Australia defeat

Monday, 18 August 2025 at 08:03

byRugby Rucker

Former South Africa head coach Nick Mallett has questioned the Bok halfback pairing following their 38-22 loss to Australia at Ellis Park, singling out fly-half Manie Libbok’s inability to adapt when the momentum shifted.

With no specialist fly-half on the bench, Libbok was forced to go the distance – a decision that backfired as the Boks lost control in the second half.

Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett didn’t hold back in his criticism of the team’s direction – or lack thereof – at 9 and 10.

“From there, our halfbacks [Grant Williams and Libbok] never managed the game,” bemoaned Mallett. “Nine and 10 have to control a game, and they’ve got to sense when the game is moving in a certain direction."

He went on to highlight Libbok’s tendency to stick to a high-tempo style, even when conditions demand otherwise.

“What happens sometimes with Manie, and I think he’s done it with the Stormers too, is that when things are going well, he’s brilliant on front-foot ball. His selections are really good. But when the ball isn’t so quick, he still tends to try and play that fast game, that wide-passing game, trying to play at pace.”

According to Mallett, this flawed approach handed Australia the advantage.

“That was when we started playing, in my view, the incorrect style of rugby against Australia. They’re very good on transition, they’ve got very skilful players, and we made a lot of mistakes in that second half.”

Instead of tightening up, Mallett believes the Boks played right into the Wallabies’ hands.

“This was a game crying out for more game management – kicking into corners, mixing in the driving maul, keeping Australia guessing. Instead we played into their hands.”

Five Springboks who flopped against Australia in Rugby Championship opener

Entering the match as heavy underdogs, Schmidt’s men flipped the script and blew The Rugby Championship wide open with a performance full of belief, intensity, and precision.

But as the Wallabies soared, several key Springboks faltered. Here are five South African stars who flopped.

MARCO VAN STADEN

FLORUGBY 3/10: "His combative style is built on pushing breakdown limits, but against the Wallabies, he crossed the line too often.

"Penalised repeatedly, he failed to adapt as Australia grew in confidence. When his pack needed bite in the second half, van Staden’s influence faded badly. Easily one of his poorest outings in green."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Looked lively in the first 20, then forced off for a concussion check. Returned but never rediscovered his edge, conceding penalties and missing tackles."

GRANT WILLIAMS

FLORUGBY 4/10: "Sharp and dangerous when South Africa were dominant, Williams’ sniping runs forced Australian defenders into panicked reactions.

"But once momentum shifted, his game management evaporated. Kicks went astray, his pace put teammates under pressure, and he looked rattled. A classic case of a scrumhalf thriving only when conditions are perfect."

JESSE KRIEL

FLORUGBY 3/10: "Busy in the first half, Kriel worked tirelessly in defence and attack. But when the heat rose, mistakes crept in. His decision not to kick when space was there put Arendse in trouble, and being handed off by Tom Wright was poor. His blown opportunity late symbolised South Africa’s collapse."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Left in no-man’s land so often on defence and not all his own doing. Had some great runs and showed brilliance with ball in hand but not his best outing, particularly in the second half."

MANIE LIBBOK

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Started the game brightly, but much like many of his teammates, his bright start turned into a nightmare. His wide pass that Joseph Suaalii picked off was simply not on while his defence gifted Australia opportunities."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Excellent first half, marshalling a 15-point lead. But after the break it unravelled: one intercepted pass cost seven points and his defence fell apart."

EBEN ETZEBETH

FLORUGBY 5/10: "Etzebeth lived on the edge of the offside line all game, disrupting Australia’s rhythm and forcing hurried decisions.

"Beyond the physicality and carries, his unseen work on kick chase was immense. He linked play with offloads and clean breaks, but when momentum shifted, calls stopped going his way. A commanding but frustrated figure."

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