The European Champions once again failed to make the vital next step and take a Southern Hemisphere scalp. It was a spirited performance by Wales. Although the scoreline says nine points was the difference, tries scored were three-nil in favour of the Boks, but these figures don't tell the full story. Wales had more possession, more territory, made more clean breaks, I could go on. Even watching the game there was a feeling that Wales were in control and if you didn't know what the score was then you would have been forgiven for thinking that Wales were leading. It was in fact the South Africans who were more in control, even when they were being attacked they knew they could break and score tries if they soaked up pressure for long enough. The defensive structure they employed worked perfectly, a structure which has long been used by the All Blacks, not committing men to the ruck unless they could definitely win it. There was a constant green wall of fourteen men, in front of eleven or even ten Welsh attackers. There simply was no space, and eventually they forced Wales into mistakes. Knock-ons, turnovers and basic errors were all to common from Wales but it came from this defensive style designed specifically to stop the Welsh strike runners going forward. It is a risky tactic because you are actively allowing the opposition to run at you, but when it is carried out as well as it was yesterday then there is only one way to break it down, creativity.
Creativity, unfortunately is exactly what Wales lacked yesterday. Jon Davies made darts early on and looked sharp, but he was forced off after twelve minutes. The stat of the day probably was, that in twelve minutes he made more metres than anyone else on the Welsh team in the whole game. It was not a game played in the 'Welsh Way', a style often talked about, free-flowing, attacking rugby. Gatland has done wonders as Welsh coach and has brought through a crop of talented young players. However, he needs to adapt his rigid style if Wales are to move forwards. Legend of the game Jonathan Davies said on BBC's Scrum V that adapting the strategy was the only way to beat these sides, by playing it wide. Not just trucking it up over and over, especially not against a South African side who are better designed to play that style of rugby. Gatland's game plan played into Springbok hands this time, not because he made a bad decision but because he never changes his decision! It is always the same style, and has served us well in the Six Nations but with the World Cup fast approaching Wales need to develop and tweak.
Were there any positives from Saturdays game then? Of course, South Africa are an incredible team, and to come as close as Wales did is something of an achievement. Although, the tries that were given away were basic errors that the top teams punish you for, an instinct Wales needs to develop. The main positive I thought was James Hook, I thought he played outstandingly well in the circumstances. Brought as cover for Liam Williams when he got injured in the same move that took down Jon Davies, giving Hook almost a whole game to impress something he has rarely has since the 2011 World Cup. One of Europe's most talented players was finally given a chance to impress and he did. For vast quantities of the game he looked like the spark that might do something for Wales, because he has what Priestland doesn't, the all important creativity. Priestland is an excellent tactical kicker, although Saturday was not his best game, but he is not creative, he isn't a stepper, he isn't a blistering runner. So when his kicking game fails, as it did on Saturday, what are you left with? Luckily, Hook stepped up and played an almost 'second 10' role, and delivered making half-breaks and taking the risks that got Wales moving in the second half.
The call is growing louder in Wales for Gatland to give Hook his chance back at fly-half, but the Kiwi does not change his mind easily. Hook could be the answer to Wales' problems, Gatland can still play the same way, but with extra width on the ball when it is required to put wingers in. It would also please the traditional Welsh fans who want to see that Welsh Way of playing the game which has faded since Shane Williams retired. To see a player of that ilk, who can step and create something out of nothing in the side again would be brilliant for Welsh fans, especially at 10. A chance to step out of what is becoming boring Welsh rugby, something that Wales have always been against.
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