Stuff Digital Edition

Springboks out for knockout blow

they will want to go for the knockout punch.

The All Blacks aren’t going to roll over and nor should they. However, the task is going to be monumental.

I think they’ll back their attack. If Richie Mo’unga were to come in at first five-eighth, I think he could vary it a bit more. He may take it to the line and bring in those chip kicks. Coming from his Crusaders background, Mo’unga may also be the more confident player who can offer the All Blacks a point of difference. I’m sure he will start.

However, I’m not convinced the All Blacks’ issue is at 9 and 10, and wonder if it’s getting the ball a little further out wide. The Boks closed the All Blacks down really well from a double tackle point of view. First and foremost, they stop the runner on or before the gainline, which always means you are having to go a yard or two backwards to the cleanouts. It results in you playing further behind the advantage line and never really getting front-foot ball. The set-piece along with kicking game and defence is the cornerstone of the Boks’ plan. They are ruthless at playing in the right areas of the field, applying scoreboard pressure and maintaining momentum. Even though this All Blacks team is low in confidence, Jacques Nienaber will know that this is not the time to take their foot off the gas. The All Blacks are not the type of team to cower in a corner.

New Zealand is a proud rugby nation with world-class rugby players. They may not be playing that well at the moment but are going to come out guns blazing. As such, the Boks must meet them with the same fire as last weekend. Gary Gold is the USA Eagles head coach, and was Springboks assistant when they beat the All Blacks three consecutive times in 2009 and won the Tri-nations title.

FRONT PAGE

en-nz

2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-12T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281706913458736

Stuff Limited