Prop Ox Nche admits the Springboks only have themselves to blame after their shock 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies at Ellis Park, and stressed that the rematch in Cape Town is a must-win to revive their Rugby Championship hopes.
The Boks raced into a 22-0 lead inside 20 minutes but were ruthlessly exposed as Australia roared back with six tries, leaving Ellis Park stunned.
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Reflecting on the collapse, Nche pointed to costly errors and a failure to stick to the game plan.
“At halftime, the chat was simply to stick to the plan and execute things, as it was working. But we just went off the script in the second half,” he said.
“They scored three easy tries early on, and it wasn’t from a good set piece. They were just more active and ready, and they pounced ahead. They just seemed more prepared than we were, and they used every opportunity they got, whereas we didn’t. Everyone just started going off on their plan instead of sticking to the plan we had as a team.”
Looking ahead to Cape Town, Nche was blunt about what’s required.
“We want to win the Rugby Championship. Next weekend is a must-win Test, and we have to get as many points as we can,” he said.
“For me personally, it means more hard work, more preparation, and to be better prepared. The only thing we can do is to execute better.”
The Springboks travelled to Cape Town on Sunday and will resume training on Monday as they attempt to regroup before facing the Wallabies again at the Cape Town Stadium.
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Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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