Some may argue that their defeat is a symptom of the wider malaise afflicting South African rugby. South Africa A coach Johan Ackermann insists, however, his team's reached most of its objectives in their 2-0 series defeat to the England Saxons.Ackermann, who watched his team surrender a healthy lead before going down 26-29 in George on Friday, is upbeat about his players' future."Result-wise it was disappointing but there were good things. We know why the games were arranged because the Springbok coach has to look at the next 30 players. At the end of the day we are a feeder and developmental team and you have to bear that in mind," explained Ackermann.story_article_left1While there was little in it for the collective, Ackermann believes some individuals advanced their cause."I saw enough talent over the last two weeks. There are definitely some players who will go on to represent South Africa," said the coach.Ackermann stressed that players who joined them from the Bok squad had done well before adding "a guy like Jaco Kriel hasn't had game time"."We are healthy in certain positions. Piet van Zyl had two good weeks and when Nic Groom joined from the Boks he did well."In other areas we still have to develop players. At flyhalf we need to get some consistency when guys like (Handre) Pollard and the others are injured."The centres played really well as did Sergeal Petersen," said Ackermann.Still, the coach was disappointed with the series result. Perhaps guided by results on the international scene over the past two weeks, he contended: "The northern hemisphere has caught up."You have to give credit to England. They selected players who were on form in the Premiership. Danny Cipriani and Dave Attwood brought experience. Over the last few years teams like Bath and Exeter Chiefs are producing some young players."I believe South Africa still has the talent. If we can get more games like this it will help. There is enough talent."Ackermann added that there are a few things to learn from the Saxons. "They try and get that team to play every year. It is however very difficult when there is a British and Irish Lions tour in the same year.story_article_right2"The core of that group comes from the Exeter Chiefs who have been doing really well of late," he said of a team that progressed to the Premiership final before they lost to the all-conquering Saracens."The Saxons had a bit more continuity and they came together a week or so before we did," sighed Ackermann.Overall he is satisfied with his players' progress but as a collective they rather botched it in the second match in George after they ran up a healthy 26-8 lead."We did the opposite from last week by not finishing well," said Ackermann about his team's poor finish.For England coach Ali Hepher the opposite applied."The character that came through just shows how much they want to play for their country."It is important for their careers," said Hepher. "They have shown positive things to Eddie (Jones, England coach). They have put their hand up. They need to take that forward and put that into their Premiership teams."They are not a long way off international rugby and it should be quite exciting for them," said Hepher...