Who would have thought that after three rounds of the 2010 Tri Nations the Springboks would be sitting at the bottom of the competition ladder?

After last years series they had to be considered favorites to take the Trophy again, but so far they've looked flat, boring and unimaginative. This from a team that looked like they were heading into the 2011 World Cup as heavy favorites. Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again - I believe the Springboks have been exposed, and their style of rugby is not conducive to winning the next World Cup.

The new breakdown laws have not been kind on the 'Boks (or the likes of England), whereas the All Blacks and the Wallabies like to play the expansive game. The All Blacks wore the 'Boks down in the first two games by spreading the ball from the ruck quickly, and using the backs to keep the big 'Bok forwards back-peddling.

I didn't see all of the Wallabies game, but from what I did see they appeared to be applying the same principles. Limit the penaltys you give away, keep the Springboks moving around, and they will wear down.

When the 'Boks have the ball in hand they look like they don't know what to do with it. They seem to get good go forward only to put up a bomb, or attempt a drop kick. It's boring, and clearly not effective.

And then there's their discipline. They've had players sent to the bin in every game so far this series, and while a couple of them might have been a bit harsh the players have no one to blame but themselves.

Take Dannie Russouw's binning against the All Blacks in game two - his infringement wasn't very serious, but he didn't do himself any favours by provoking McCaw. It wasn't necessary to clip Richie's ear or start the push and shove. I saw his binning as the ref's way of saying he wasn't going to tolerate any crap from the 'Boks, who are notorious for playing dirty rugby.

Last night Jaque Fourie was binned early on for an illegal tackle. Was it worthy of a yellow card? Probably not. But was it illegal? Yes. The ref is quite within his rights to do what he did. If you don't want to go to the bin, then clean up your game. The Springboks need to sort this out.

The Sprinboks now head home for two more games against the Wallabies, and one more against the All Blacks - so they have an opportunity to pick up a few wins, and they will be tough on their home soil. But if they can't come up with a new brand of rugby, they will continue to drop off the pace in the race for the 2011 World Cup.

Chris on Twitter

Photo credit - Eric de Leeuw