The Springboks have not won in their last seven attempts in Brisbane, and have yet to beat the Suncorp Stadium bogey, having never won at the ground.

At least the Boks can take solace from the fact they finally managed to score two tries, after having been held try-less in their previous four matches at Suncorp. That, however, is scant consolation for what was a third consecutive beating.

The Springboks were well beaten once again, and defeats by 20, 12 and now 17 points represent worrying signs for the side. Whereas in the past we've relied on getting back to South Africa to give us that edge, it doesn't look forthcoming just by home ground advantage, and it represents a significant backward step to limply concede their Tri-Nations title after just three matches.

Poor refereeing was once again a factor in the game, but it certainly did not cost the Boks who were simply not good enough on the night.

Shoddy defence

For the third match in a row, the Springboks conceded 30+ points. You will never win matches consistently with a leaky defence (and an ineffectual attack).

There were too many missed first time tackles, even after all the work put in this week with the tackle bags.

Defence is all about attitude. It says little about the Springbok side that for three weeks they've missed far too many first up tackles, and conceded 10 tries (whilst only scoring four).

On Saturday night the Wallabies out-thought and out-manoeuvred the Springboks by cleverly changing the direction of play, and exposing the Bok defence on the short side far too often.

It didn't help that Bryan Habana came out of the defensive line far too often and placed his side under pressure trying to cover his position. It's okay once or twice in a game, but not almost every time.

The Wallabies aren't world beaters

The Wallabies won the game by winning the battle of the breakdown. Greater energy and enthusiasm allowed them to dictate play as they had better quality ball and with the steady stream of penalties, playing from the front.

Will Genia, Quade Cooper and the back three of Drew Mitchell, James O'Connor and Adam Ashley-Cooper were made to look like world beaters, as the Springboks failed to pitch up. Had our tight five performed as they should, I'm sure they will look rather ordinary.

Worryingly, Will Genia was only returning from injury having played a game of club rugby. Whilst he admitted afterwards he was “blowing a bit,” he looked much sharper and quicker than any of the Boks.

Battle of the breakdown

The Wallabies won the battle of the breakdown quite emphatically. One of the things I noticed is that whenever the Boks were on attack (and it was a plan to attack with Kankowski and Spies wide of the ruck) they never had anyone on the ball carriers shoulder.

Half-breaks and offloads were never capitalised on, and when the ball carrier went to ground they either hung on too long, or turned the ball over as the Wallabies had the greater numbers.

I am not sure why this area is lacking in the Boks, is it lack of fitness and fatigue? (A sorry excuse even given the success of the Bulls and Stormers)

On defence, we were under pressure at the breakdown because we missed too many first-time tackles. There is no remedy for missed tackles.

The manner of defeat

Whilst three defeats on the road is nothing new for the Boks, the manner of defeat leaves a sour taste. Even at our peak last year, our biggest winning margin during the Tri-Nations was 12.

This year our average losing margin in the Tri-Nations has been just over 16 points! That is simply unacceptable from a Springbok side, and indicates we are not even close.

Are the Bok coaches brave enough?

Some brave decisions need to be made by the coaching staff.

Our tight five is not performing. Wynand Olivier is ineffectual. Bryan Habana needs to be dropped.

Francois Hougaard, Juan de Jongh and Dewald Potgieter have all shown they have a spark and deserve to be playing for the Boks. Will the selectors reward form and energy, or will they stick with the experienced mob who are failing to deliver? I'd like to remind them ‘fortune favours the brave'.

Article courtesy http://www.rugby.sanjaydeva.com/