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The second game of this year’s Tri-Nations provided another thrilling encounter. South Africa’s opening half blitz had all the trade marks of their traditional play whilst New Zealand’s tactical comeback further advanced their World Cup cause.
Early in the game South Africa made the best advantage of referee Allain Roland’s leniency at the break down. Their swarming defence put both the New Zealand backs and forwards under pressure. Victor Matfield’s magnificent work spoiling New Zealand lineout ball ensured the All Black backs rarely got their own set piece ball. So effective was Matfield that he led the Springboks in disrupting three New Zealand lineouts in the first ten minutes alone.
South Africa’s forwards were unfortunately let down by their backs who continue to seem directionless when in good field position. Twice during the game the lithe Ashwin Willemse was used to bash the ball up in midfield and both times the New Zealand defence took the ball from him.
With neither backline then able to make use of set piece possession, the game became one of field position. South Africa rarely kicked to find touch, preferring instead to challenge the NZ back three into launching a counter-attack into the ferocious Springbok defence.
New Zealand seemed unconvinced of their game plan until captain Richie McCaw finally started playing the referee’s whistle at the break down. Charging into the side of the ruck, right under Roland’s nose, the flanker was able to force a turn over in good position. Some wonderful interplay between New Zealand forwards put them on the front foot in strong field position for which they were rewarded with a handful of penalties.
South Africa’s dominance of the lineout continued late into the first half and Schalk Burger’s try from a rolling maul from five meters out was just reward for the Springbok forward pack.
It was after the break that this game became something special. New Zealand came back on the field with a fresh set of tactics to take the wind out of the Spingboks.
Rather than continue to try to bash their way through the brilliant Springbok defence or to try to out jump the equally brilliant Springbok lineout, the All Blacks found ways to avoid these obstacles.
Aaron Mauger’s drop goal was almost completely unexpected by the Springbok defence. This simple act had the effect of putting pressure back on that defence. For the rest of the match McCaw never hesitated to go for three points at each Springbok infringement. This was never more obvious than when ten meters from the Springbok line and with only seven Springbok forwards on the field, McCaw chose not to use his emboldened scrum sticking instead with Daniel Carter’s slightly erring boot.
It was however how New Zealand took control of the lineout situation that had the most effect on the outcome of the game. Almost immediately from the start of the second half the All Black back three hustled to ensure they could get a quick throw in into the lineout. Two of these throws in the third quarter of the game were taken with Springbok defenders very close by.
This took Victor Matfield out of the lineout contest and thus ensured New Zealand retained possession. At the 60 minute mark the All Blacks, when forced to take a full lineout used a sneaky throw to the front of the lineout that was quickly passed back to Kevin Mealamu, again all done away from Matfield’s long reach.
With more possession and the speed of the match building New Zealand started building in confidence whilst South Africa continued to play Russian roulette with spoiling tactics. Eventually the All Blacks wre able to capitalise, firstly through a low-driving try to McCaw, started by a bullocking run from Rodney So’oialo. The final try came when New Zealand took advantage of a poor chase on a Ruaan Pienaar kick. Joe Rokocoko’s try sealed the game with ten minutes to play.
New Zealand’s use of well thought out tactics to overcome a formidable opponent comes in the same week that former Wallaby, Matt Rogers questioned the amount of coaching used in rugby union. The Wallaby coaching staff will be working overtime this week to work out how to beat the All Blacks.
[pic via Eurosport]
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.