Inga Tuigamala: Boks' work cut out to beat this sensational side

Kieran Read made every metre count. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

The Springboks have a lot of ground to make up and I doubt they will be able to regroup to the point of winning tomorrow's test in Wellington.

It is tempting to say that a champion team, which they are, will bounce back. Severely wounded, the Boks will be hellbent on restoring pride.

But the world champions were so comprehensively outplayed at Eden Park last Saturday that I can't really see them making up the difference.

The All Blacks were sensational in the opening Tri-Nations test. They knew that they were over-matched physically, but their concentration was superb as they set about sticking to their own plan of running South Africa around. After 15 minutes, the Springbok forwards were starting to lie on the ground.

Kieran Read and Richie McCaw were the stars. Read turned in a no-nonsense, every-metre-counts performance in the mould of Buck Shelford. McCaw must have four lungs, the way he turns up everywhere. The veteran Mils Muliaina also had a terrific game at fullback.

The All Blacks shunned the tactic of playing kickback, instead counter attacking at every opportunity. It was a wonderful sight to behold. This team means business, and they have a good balance in the side.

We also saw what pulling on the black jersey means to players. Critics suggested Ma'a Nonu would not be ready after an injury break, but he played like a man determined not to relinquish his test place.

I'll make one selection observation concerning the Springboks. The big centre Jean de Villiers is a fish out of water on the wing. I'm not sure what Peter de Villiers is trying to achieve with that move.

* There was talk during the week about the need for a second referee in rugby but I'm dead against that idea.

The All Black coaches apparently suggested the first test referee Alan Lewis did not keep up with the pace of the game, but I'm surprised at that comment. League has two referees, but league is far more intense over 80 minutes. In rugby, there are more natural stoppages.

Rugby union doesn't need a second referee picking over every incident.

I thought Lewis did a really good job - they say the best referees allow the players to dictate the outcome and that is what he did.

* I hope the New Zealand Rugby Union tries to secure Sonny Bill Williams - who has signed up until the end of the 2011 World Cup season - for longer. Our game needs superstars and personalities, and Williams is that. He is a terrific talent, but I hope we aren't expecting him to suddenly become the World Cup matchwinner. We need to give him time to develop in the New Zealand game and he is getting the perfect start by joining Canterbury.

I was sceptical about Williams, given the way he walked out on the Bulldogs. But he says he wants to prove himself against the best in rugby union. And hearing him talk about how it is every kid's dream to play for the All Blacks - even though he was brought up in league - convinces me he will have the attitude to succeed.