The Springboks have been criticised for their conservative game plan but the All Blacks are more concerned with stoppages, which prevent the game flowing.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea says he may have to “put pressure” on the referee in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with South Africa to prevent the world champions from slowing the game with stoppages.
Jordie Barrett’s late penalty earned the All Blacks a 19-17 win over the Springboks last weekend that ensured they reclaimed the trophy with a fifth victory in a row.
The Springboks have been widely criticised for their conservative, tactical-kicking game plan, but former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says the “elephant in the room” is stoppages.
All Blacks prop Joe Moody said earlier this week he hoped the officials would do more to stop South Africa interrupting the flow of the game after the Springboks’ forwards frequently sought medical attention during the contest in Townsville.
“I have just got to put pressure on the referee in, I guess, a better way and demand a little bit more,” said Savea, who is serving as stand-in captain in the absence of Sam Whitelock.
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
“It’s out of our hands when the medical team is on the field and they’re saying they need to check up on him.
“There’s not much myself or the referee could do in those situations. All we can do as a team is not get frustrated. We just have to adapt and adjust like we did last week.”
English referee Matthew Carley is in charge of Saturday’s game.
Deans told New Zealand news service Stuff there was nothing wrong with the Springboks’ kick first and often approach.
“The elephant in the room in this discussion, to be honest, is not so much the method,” Deans said.
“Last week was a great contest. The issue was the ball out of play.
“That is the issue that needs to be addressed by the powers that be. You can blame the adjudicators, or the people assessing them, but the flow in the game is gone. There are too many stoppages, and you spend too long looking at the screen.”
“There is no provision for that… If there’s blood (on a player), you go off. And you call their bluff when they are just taking a breather. If it happens again, ‘sorry, you are off, and we carry on’.
“It is all manageable.”
© AAP
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.
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has announced a sabbatical to play with Irish club Leinster at year's end, while committing his future to New…
There are those who will forever play the man - and not the ball - where TJ Perenara is concerned. The All Blacks and…
I well remember the day a New Zealand Rugby staffer put their hands on me. It seems I’d made them angry.The Wellington Sevens was…
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have described the players' union call for the board to step down while governance reforms are carried out as a…
I am a rugby fan hanging on by a thread to a game I have followed for over 50 years. It brought immense joy,…
Waratahs' Will Harrison says he has an itch to play for the Wallabies now he's back from a 92-week rehabilitation from multiple knee injuries.…
