The honeymoon period of Rassie Erasmus’ time in charge of the Springboks looks to be well and truly over as the former Munster Director of Rugby has overseen two disappointing back-to-back defeats to Argentina and most recently, the Wallabies.
South Africa were 7-15 in front during the first half at the Suncorp Stadium but a litany of unforced errors saw the Wallabies claw back the deficit to ultimately emerge 23-18 winners.
The Springboks coughed up some simple tries and the most glaring one was the passage of play which saw Matt Toomua touch down underneath the posts.
South Africa had a lineout deep within their own 22 but hooker Mbongeni Mbonami overcooked the throw which saw Toomua pick the ball up and run in under the posts.
🏉 It's half time in the second @SanzarTRC game of the morning. Despite this try from Matt Toomua @qantaswallabies 🇦🇺 trail the @Springboks 🇿🇦 18-17.
Follow it Live here: https://t.co/wQsfJkyFtD pic.twitter.com/UKIyOI5jJZ
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) September 8, 2018
The decision to start Mbonami was a controversial one with many believing Malcolm Marx should have started that game.
However, after that lineout malfunction, Erasmus decided to substitute Mbonami, just 35 minutes into the game – a decision which was criticised by many on social media.
I feel really sorry for Bongi.
Not many players get pulled like that in test rugby.
So few infact, that I only think of two or three others.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) September 8, 2018
Blame bongi all u want but someone called that lineout…
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) September 8, 2018
Some pretty ruthless substitutions from Rassie, hauling off Mbonambi after that horror throw.
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) September 8, 2018
Read More About: Rassie Erasmus, springboks, Wallabies