@l_n_p said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:
@nzzp said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:
@l_n_p I liked the article, read it last night. Interesting insights
The Lions really didn't try to play much rugby against the Boks. Australia did, and it showed. Fitness the big issue for the Boks this weekend I suspect
It's going to be very tactical with the AB's wanting the ball in play, the Boks quite the opposite! Probably a fast but conservative game for the first 50 at least to wear out the Boks - a lot of kicking deep for space from the AB playmakers. Down the middle if needed.
I always remember that RWC2015 semi-final where it could easily have gone both ways but logically I can't imagine how the Boks can make such huge adjustments in a week, plus AB coaches can build from watching Australia's victory.
Referee is English again.
The article addresses how the Boks seemingly don't know what to do with the quick ball and don't have players set to take advantage. I think the other aspect is that they simply don't have the time to be boring. They can't slow things down to organise a kick or even look for the space to kick to.
No doubt much of the same analysis is being done by them and I think we may see quick ball trucked up close to the breakdown without too much effort to gain ground so that they can revert to type on the next phase. i.e. take two goes to get set.





All Blacks clear underdogs, playing away from home against world champions...






