ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Oct 23, 2019

South Africa’s 'unstoppable maul' awaits Wales in crunch semi final

South Africa’s second-half display against Japan on Sunday in Tokyo would have put Wales on alert ahead of their semi-final clash this weekend. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite only leading 5-3 at half time, Rassie Erasmus’ side went up another gear in the second 40 to win the game 26-3. The forwards upped their physicality and Japan struggled to keep up, and it turned out to be a comfortable win for the Springboks.

Nothing embodied the second half performance more than the 50m driving maul that led to Faf de Klerk’s try, which ultimately put the game out of reach. Having started the maul in their own half, South Africa were well inside the 22 when Malcolm Marx broke off and popped the ball to his scrumhalf to run in for the try.

It is one thing knowing what the Springboks are going to do, and it is another thing trying to stop them from doing it, and that is the problem that Wales face this Sunday in Yokohama.

Warren Gatland and his coaching team know that their side will face an onslaught up front, built upon a strong set-piece. Forwards coach Robin McBryde will face a tough few days figuring out how to prevent what at times seemed like an insatiable maul against Japan, aided by the fact that the bench had six forwards to come on.

Of course, the side Wales are much more physical than Japan and they faced their own battle up front against the French, and by and large were able to repel a number of attacks from the Les Bleus up front.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sebastien Vahaamahina’s obscene elbow in a maul may have actually been the result of frustration that the Welsh were able to withhold them. Indeed, in the Rugby World Cup warm-up against England in Cardiff, Wales were also able to resist maul after maul from England, which was testament to McBryde’s coaching.

However, the Springboks perhaps pose the sternest test of the three, and should Wales manage to do what Japan could not, it could go a long way to booking a place in the final.

Comments




Related Articles

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    Former international captain retires

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    Tonga Qualify Rugby World Cup

  • 72 WEEKS AGO

    Julian Savea offers himself to the All Blacks...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 14 HOURS AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 15 HOURS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

View All