Having watched the game live and on recording here my few insights/observations:
Packed stadium, 55 000 tickets sold but I did see some empty seats, people probably high jacked outside as this great stadium is in a very bad part of town. Driving there in a bus the direct 5km around it looks like a slump, disgusting and litter everywhere.
Great vibe and excitement before the game, lot's of smiles and good amount of English folk geared for the game (almost seemed like a fancy dress occasion). All friendly decent English supporters and good to see the Saffers treating them with respect. No drunken assholes like in the 80's and 90's anymore. SA Rugby has truly cleaned up the their stadia.
After the anthems it almost felt like the 95 world cup final, there was a special feeling this time around. Was it Rassie or Siya or was it both, man but it felt good.
Right that didn't last long and after 15 or so minutes my buddy said "Gena, don't tell me this is another 53-3 drubbing". I said no wait this is the first quarter of a new coach and a new captain in a new season, let's see it they can turn this around.
At that stage the place was very quiet, but a quiet that hurt, strange feeling.
The rest is history
First 20 minutes - tactical error on SA side and Rassie confirmed he is to blame. He was of the opinion England would kick a lot down the middle and as such instructed his guys to defend accordingly. Siya was the one that after the 3rd try picked up it was wrong and they adjusted on the field. When last did SA make a bold decision on the field with success? That is a major point to take away from a SA perspective... Why did England not capitalize when in the position to do so, don't even think Eddie knows.
First late tackle on Faf was much worse than the one that was yellow carded. Ref inconsistencies here. Ref very strict but allowed good advantage.
Springboks:
Faf was immense and I have never seen anyone feed the backline with such speed and accuracy, his defense improved drastically. Not even 3 seasons ago he had one of the worst tackle completion stats in all of the Super 18, thanks to his European exposure he is now Faf 2.0.
Most people rave about Duanne but forgot how immense this real life Thor was, he is only getting back to what he is capable of, not yet there but good to see him back.
Every time he catches a high kick you hear that buzz in the crowd when he starts his runs.
Willie is as good as what he was before his slump, glad to have his vision and speed back for SA.
Our new recruits did well, both wingers showed what they are capable of and RG Snyman is living up to the hype around him.
Our centre pairing disappointing and I would much prefer to see Andre Esterhuizen team up with Lukhanyo Am (he needs a few games more, acknowledged).
Jean-Luc du Preez seems to know far to well he is big and strong but should start playing with some grunt, he is trying to mix his game and he is found somewhere in between.
He kinda reminds me of a Pierre Spies that tries to play like Sony-Bill Williams. He was unimpressive.
Siya Kolisi did well as captain and player. Massive kudos to him to clam the squad down after that first 20 minute onsluaght.
Franco Mostert is a machine that never stops, honest hard player, old school.
Front row was decent but Wilco Louw under performed, looked lackluster.
Bongi at hooker was hard working but average but with Rassie bringing in Schalk Brits as added experience and Akker vd Merwe finding his feet we are okay until the return of the world's best hooker, aka Malcolm Marx.
Bench good and will become a major strong point for the Bokke in the years to come.
England:
From the benefit of a high viewing angle I picked up that Billy Vunipola was pedestrian.
From the same angle Jonny May was exceptional (personal favorite English player).
Tom Curry looked busy and had a good game but Chris Robshaw is one season too much, you could clearly see he simply does not have the power and speed anymore to make a valuable contribution.
Both young locks have promise but too many penalties at this level.
Front row was okay but you could see when the Bok reinforcements came on second half and the altitude getting to he big men, they suffered
Jamie George not overly impressive but I do favor him opposed to the arrogant Dylan Hartley (personal least liked English player)
Mike Brown looked strong on attack but yes, as so many have stated just don't have the acceleration to keep up with younger international wingers
Centre paring okay, don;t think I have ever seen Farrel having a really poor game and kicking like a champ but Slade doesn't seem to inspire, good hands but yeah, not a world beater.
Sorry to say and yes, one immensely gifted player but Elliot Daily did not impress from where I watched the game. Great kick and good try (anyone would have scored that 3rd try had they been there), for the rest he made basic mistakes but will improve with experience.
Looking very much forward to the second game in the comfort of my couch, much warmer inside
