The failure of the Boks' backline defence

Many have blamed Habana for shooting off his line in defence against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium and allowing the equalising try. The actual failure happened due to De Jongh tackling in. De Villiers then looped round and tried to frantically wave Habana to drift. It was De Jongh's error after sterling work over the whole match. It was an error caused by lack of an established partnership in the centres.

Don't underestimate the importance of understanding amongst backs on defence.

Years ago Western Province had Jaco Taute and Christian Scholtz as centres. They had played together since school and exhibited an uncanny feel for what the other would do. Neither were as much of a threat apart - on defence or attack.

Further, the defence takes alignment off an organizer in the backs - typically an outside back. Breyton Paulse was one of the best organisers of the rush. Jaques Fourie has played the role more recently, although the Boks have rushed less and organised the drift.

It's hard to blame the coaches for the centre partnership. They were robbed of choice by Jacques Fourie's suspension and Wynand Olivier's failure at stepping up. Fourie would have offered either the established Stormers' duo or the old firm together with De Villiers.