The All Blacks are feeling the effects of a “big contest” at Ellis Park, but are keen to avoid another last-quarter blow-out against the Springboks in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash at Cape Town Stadium.
New Zealand were leading 27-17 at one stage in the second half in Johannesburg last weekend, but allowed South Africa to get back into the game in the last 20 minutes. Replacement loose forward Kwagga Smith scored a crucial try after a series of mauls, and then scrumhalf Grant Williams secured the Bok victory with another late five-pointer.
The result has left the All Blacks licking their wounds, and contemplating the kind of approach that they would need to triumph at the Cape Town Stadium (5pm start).
They enjoyed the sunshine on a warm Monday, and got down to work by training on a lush green pitch at Athlone Stadium – home of Saru non-racial rugby during apartheid – yesterday.
Their fightback this week could involve a change in selection as well, in order to have a fresher Kiwi side to counter the Boks’ immense physicality. One likely change should be in the loose trio, where Dalton Papali’i is set to return at blindside flank from a thumb injury.
After a titanic scrum battle at Ellis Park as well, a new-look front row of Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell could provide the necessary impetus from the opening whistle in the Mother City too, with coach Scott Robertson scheduled to announce his team tomorrow.
There are also a few options available in the backline, such as Anton Lienert-Brown at centre, and Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie could also swop positions at fullback and flyhalf.
“It was a big Test ... lots of physicality, as expected,” All Black forwards coach Jason Ryan said this week.
“Big contest, the collision side of it, set-piece side. Tackles made that have big intensity, a lot bigger than we’ve had throughout the whole year so far. Looking to build on that. The boys have recovered really well.
“We haven’t finished that game as well as we could’ve. We talked about it in our review, and we’ve got some younger men starting their Test career as well, so we’re honest around the reality of where we are at, with that part of it.
“But by no means are we sugar-coating and overlooking it. We are acknowledging it, and will look to improve it, definitely.
“It could be a little bit of both (selection and tactics), to be fair. You’ve got guys coming on who have played a handful of Tests, and jeez, it was some atmosphere – especially at Ellis Park against the best team in the world.
“We are also pretty confident that we are making some progress in our game, where we need to be as well. So, there is always something to work on.
“It’s a balance between keeping consistency in your squad and selections, but also being brave and giving guys opportunity so that they can actually live what this sort of intensity is like, because it’s a lot bigger contest mentally and physically.
“So, we’ll pick our team (on Thursday), but it’s a fine line, to be fair.”
