The Springboks are a team on the up after what can only be described as a transitional disaster in 2016. Ten months on and the complexion has completely changed with the Boks enjoying an unbeaten run of 6 tests against a below-par French outfit, the ill disciplined Pumas and a Wallabies team lacking identity. This unbeaten run could very well come unstuck tomorrow morning as our boys take on arguably one of the greatest teams in sporting history, the All Blacks.
Last week’s result vs. Australia wasn’t ideal prep for the Boks going into this mammoth encounter and was a harsh reminder that we are still off the pace when it comes to the men in black who are the clear trend setters in World Rugby. Don’t get me wrong, we have clearly improved tremendously in all facets of our game but have we bridged the gap? At about 11h30 CAT we should have our answer, and like any Springbok fan this makes me nervous.
The Bok defence has stood up tall this season under the tutelage of Brendan Venter and can expect a barrage of attacks from the opposition who have already amassed a staggering 272 points over 7 tests at an average of about 39 points per game. What worries me going into this test is the fact that we have lost two defensive titans in Jaco Kriel and Coenie Oosthuizen who lead the competition stats in tackles made at 38 and 32 respectively. That is the kind of form which the likes of Jean-Luc du Preez and Ruan Dreyer will have to emulate if we are to be a defensively sound unit come tomorrow morning.
We all know what to expect from the All Blacks at the break down and on defence. They WILL make the big hits, they WILL be ferocious at the breakdown and they most certainly WON’T give you space on attack. It’s not to say that they won’t make mistakes because not even the All Blacks are perfect but if the opportunities do present themselves we’ll have to take them. That is a non negotiable. In that respect the amount of errors we made last week cannot be repeated in this test as the likes of Beauden Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Rieko Ioane and Damian McKenzie who have 10 tries between them all have the ability to make us pay.
A quick look at the forward packs and you would have to say there isn’t much in it with the stats making for some very even reading. Both front rows have the ability to dominate at scrum time but the referee as usual may get it wrong and in so doing ruin an interesting contest. At lineout time it will be Etzebeth vs. Retallick but don’t underestimate the roles that both Read and Mostert will have. I’m relishing the battle between Liam Squire and Siya Kolisi as they are both dynamic ball carriers who have the ability to link forwards and backs with great aplomb, the latter leading the Springbok try scoring stats crossing the whitewash 3 times during The Rugby Championship. Believe you me, tries will be of the highest importance in this fixture.
What tilts this game in the favour of the All Blacks for me is not only their form coming into this test, not the home ground advantage but the x-factor they are synonymous for. I’m referring to 2 players in particular, Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie. We all know about Beauden Barrett so there is no denying that he is by far the best pivot around (in my opinion) even if he doesn’t always put the ball between the sticks. The Boks are undoubtedly aiming to shut him down so let me rather turn my attentions to the diminutive figure of Damian McKenzie who has the unwavering ability to back himself and carve up any and every defensive line put before him. Just a quick look at his stats and you’ll soon realise that he is one of the go to guys for anything that is positive in All Black play:
Carries 36
Defenders beaten 12
Clean breaks 8
Metres made 178
Offloads 4
Tries 2
Damian McKenzie has clearly been selected based upon his Super Rugby form over the past two years which has been nothing short of outstanding. Steve Hansen will be well pleased with the decision he has made given the fact that the Chiefs prodigy is already thriving on the international stage. He will undoubtedly pose a further threat to the Springboks unbeaten run if the Boks employ the kicking game and get it wrong. There is no questioning the fact that he will be devastating on the counter attack with support out wide being offered by the ridiculous duo of Nehe Milner-Skudder and Rieko Ioane. Yes, the Boks have a lot to think about but we don’t need to remind Coach AC and his chargers about that. Come hell or high water they’ll be prepared.
The time for talking is over and the Springboks who haven’t beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand since 2008 will have it all to do if they plan on getting an unlikely result under the Auckland sky. I’m a diehard Springbok supporter and I’ll be backing the boys 110% but my head tells me the home team will be too strong over the 80 minutes and pull off a win by 10 to 20 points.
I hope I’m wrong…
Wesley’s Way CPT