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The Springboks should be the favourites to retain their Tri-Nations crown this year. Their defence begins at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw believes this South African side is capable of being beaten and he is completely right.
A few years ago, The Australian released an article previewing the 2006 Tri-Nations series, and featured the weaknesses of each of the three teams. At the time the South Africans were given one simple sentence as to their greatest weakness: “Brains beat brawn.”
However, in the last few years it has become clear that this South African side knows how to exploit the rules and gain full advantage from the ELVs; by looking at this we can see how the Springboks can be beaten.
South Africa is arguably the best side in the world at the line-out. Victor Matfield loves the aerial battle and last year was the thorn in the side of the All Blacks in Hamilton.
How to counter this? Retain possession through multiple phases and do not kick the ball out. A quick, expansive game used by the Queensland Reds as well as patience in attack was able to wear down South Africa’s premier Super 14 side the Bulls earlier this year.
The Springboks are also a very efficient kicking side. They love mid-field bombs and they are able to capitalise on this strength through the use of extremely quick outside backs. To stop this, the back three have to be positioned deep.
The 2005 Test between the All Blacks and the Springboks at Carisbrook also showed another interesting tactic. The Springboks appear to be a little frazzled when they are forced to use their back three to kick the ball out defensively; kicking long to their back three should ensure the Springboks are forced to do this as they are not renowned for counter-attacking rugby.
South Africa are also extremely adept at kick-offs. In their recent victories over New Zealand in both Hamilton and Dunedin, the Springboks forced the All Blacks to clear the ball short from the 22 for low gains. Part of this is because of the ELVs not allowing the ball to be passed back inside the 22 for clearances. Again, possession should be retained instead of kicking it away poorly. It must be remembered that the Springboks are now more than ever accustomed to scoring points in anyway possible way with good field position.
Finally, the Springboks are missing a few players in key positions which helped them win last year’s tournament. Two glaring omissions are halfback Fourie du Preez and flanker Heindrich Brussouw. Without du Preez’s direction and leadership behind the scrum the Springboks might wilt a little under pressure. Brussouw also performed strongly at the breakdown last year, without his presence at the ruck South Africa could be in for a hard time.
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.