Consistency is key after All Blacks win as Boks brace for Argentina challenge

THE Springboks delivered a statement performance in Wellington, dismantling the All Blacks in a manner few could have anticipated.

- JOHN GOLIATH

It was a victory that reignited belief in Rassie Erasmus’ plans ahead of the next Rugby World Cup in Australia and kept the Springboks’ Rugby Championship hopes alive.

It was also the first real sign this year that the Boks’ evolution is on track, as they combined their physicality and top-class kicking with brilliant decision-making and clinical finishing with ball in hand.

But now comes the real test for the Springboks — consistency. It’s time to deliver that sort of performance on a regular basis after a few Jekyll-and-Hyde displays over the last few months.

Erasmus has admitted that the constant rotation of his matchday squads could be the reason why they have blown hot and cold this year.

Those inconsistencies have even featured in the same match, with the Boks blowing a 22-0 lead against the Wallabies at Ellis Park to lose 38-22 in their Rugby Championship opener.