Cheslin Kolbe: We are disappointed but we can learn a lot from this defeat

The most important lesson goes without saying but it seems incredible that the South African brains trust has let it go this far

DISAPPOINTMENT: South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe dejected after the game. Pic: INPHO/SteveHaagSports/SteveHaag

Four years, and all the variables that add up to give every game its own unique barcode, separate the two fixtures but South Africa’s World Cup pool losses to New Zealand and Ireland are linked by a web of similarities.

The margin of defeat and the perceived gap between the teams was heavier in Yokohama four years ago, but listening to Jacques Nienaber praise the victors with an admirable grace in Saint-Denis on Saturday was to be transported back to Japan and the words uttered by Rassie Erasmus.