CAPE TOWN – The Springboks will aim to put things right and address the mistakes that proved costly in their 22-38 defeat to Australia during the opening match of the Rugby Championship on Saturday at Ellis Park Stadium.
Despite heading into halftime with a commanding 22-5 lead, South Africa squandered the chance to finish off the Wallabies, allowing Joe Schmidt’s side to stage a late resurgence and ultimately have the final say.
He added that the team will work tirelessly to address their mistakes and ensure a stronger performance when they return to action this Saturday at DHL Stadium for their second clash against the Wallabies
“I think obviously we’re all very disappointed with the performance on Saturday,” said Moodie. “The guys are hurting, but we did a review, we did our meeting.
“I guess, like coach said, we know what we need to do to get it right this weekend.
“And our main focus for us is to stay the positives this week and make sure that Saturday, when we go out there, we have a clear plan of what we want to do and just execute it in the game.”
Moodie explained that after receiving clear instructions and messages from the coaching staff, the team made a conscious effort to shift their approach and change the game in their favour.
“I think we got comments from the coaching staff on what we needed to do and what maybe to try and swing the game around,” he said.
“And I think that was just my message, I went on at wing, so we needed to get our kicking game going again.
“I think that was just the main focus for me to go out there and just try and make a positive influence in the kicking game and put pressure on Australia again.
“Like I said, we didn’t manage to do that, and then we were under the pump. Like I said, it’s very disappointing for us as a team, but we know what we need to do to get it right this week.”
Moodie expressed confidence in the team, saying that despite the setbacks they faced, he firmly believes the team will regroup, make the necessary adjustments, and get things right this weekend.”
“I think we obviously know we have to get it right this weekend,” adds Moodie.
“I think a big thing in that is having control and balance in our game. Defence complementing the attack, the attack confidence, playing well with the kicking game, so I think we need to get the control and balance right for this weekend.”
Moodie added: “Whatever may come, weather-wise, we just have to be ready for what’s to come this Saturday.”
