RUGBY

Springboks driven by process, not settling scores

08 October 2017 - 00:00 By LIAM DEL CARME

They won't be blinded by results. The Springboks, Uzair Cassiem insists, have a process and they're sticking to it.
That, depending how you look at it, is either deeply comforting or troubling.
Cassiem, who was last week ruled out for the rest of the season with a rib fracture in the clash against Australia, says while results are important the full embrace of their processes is paramount at this stage of the Springbok team's development.
"We put great stuff in place. We believe in the processes, systems and structures. It will reap the rewards. We've only been together for four months. The New Zealand and the Australian teams have been together for years. We are a new team and we are beginning to find our feet.
"It comes down to execution. That is the main thing. We've stepped up a level since last year," said Cassiem.
When asked if he felt their humiliation at the hands of the All Blacks in Albany was just an aberration, Cassiem said: "No, no, no. One shouldn't just look at the scoreboard. One should actually analyse the game. We did. Execution was a big point.
"That is in the past. We don't talk about it. We forgot about it. We don't mention it. We have moved on."
Lots of energy but little synergy
Cassiem has also been required to make a massive step up. His career didn't look like it was going to take off but he, in a roundabout way, found himself in the Cheetahs' setup that marched to the Currie Cup title last year. While the team momentarily basked in the sun, Cassiem's glow lingered.
He got selected on the Springbok end-of-year tour and has been part of the mix since. He has operated in a more elevated role since regular captain Warren Whiteley has had to yield to injury. Although Cassiem's performances were built around grit, grind and energy, he has operated in a backrow that has lacked synergy...

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