Smit points to forward failings

THERE were no complaints from a South African camp shrouded in disappointment at losing so heavily to Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

Two years ago, South African captain John Smit slammed referee Paul Honiss after Ronan O’Gara was awarded a controversial match-winning try.

On Saturday, there wasn’t a dissenting voice about the merit of Ireland’s win.

Said Smit: “Ireland played very well. They dominated the first half and played much better against the wind in the second half than we did in the first half. We can’t have any complaints.”

His coach, Jake White, laid part of the blame on his tight five forwards. “We expected to do better in that area, but never quite got a platform. It was partially down to the Irish, but we also must shoulder some of the blame ourselves,” he said.

He admitted to being worried at half time, particularly after Ireland scored the third try to go 22-3 up.

“It was only at that stage I felt we were in deep trouble. A team with quality half backs like Stringer (Peter) and O’Gara (Ronan) will always be able to ride out the storm from a position of strength like that.

“You’ve got to give that pair credit for what they did in the second half. They used all their experience and skill to keep us pinned down inside our own half,” said the coach