All Blacks prepare for South Africa series
The All Blacks are preparing for a challenging four-Test series against South Africa, with assistant coach Mike Blair emphasising the need for variety in their attack. The team will face the Sharks, Stormers, and Vodacom Bulls in the Republic before the Test series begins at Ellis Park. Following a midweek match against the Lions, New Zealand and South Africa are set to meet again in Cape Town and Soweto.
Blair, who oversees the All Blacks‘ attack, noted that the team has adopted a counter-attacking, free-flowing style under coach Dave Rennie. He expressed satisfaction with aspects of their recent performance against Ireland, despite acknowledging areas for improvement, particularly once the team enters the opposition’s 22-metre line.
“Still some bits that we can do better, definitely. It sounds strange to say when you put 40 points on the board, but some really pleasing stuff, some good ball movement, some good decision making,” Blair stated. He added, “Once we get into the 22, I think we’ve got some growth there. You need variety. You’ve got to have the ability to play through a team, but also to manipulate a team.”
Confidence and challenges
Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald expressed confidence in New Zealand‘s ability to dominate the upcoming series. Donald suggested that the team could win the first three Tests, citing their unbeaten run in the Nations Championship. He commented on the team’s ability to adapt their kicking game, even when facing slow ball, indicating a strategic approach.
“Rennie talked about the kicking game getting the balance right. I reckon last night [against Ireland in Auckland] the boys had to confront slow ball more than they had in the first couple of weeks, and with all the entertainment aspect of a game, they still had the ability and smarts to go right: ‘We are going to kick here, and we are just going to put up a box and start again’,” Donald said. He added, “So, I love the way we’re playing … confident we might give the Boks the American one; just we might be sick of winning by then. We’ll go first three; my confidence is high.”
However, former All Blacks star Justin Marshall offered a more cautious perspective, highlighting the difficulty of winning a series in South Africa. He acknowledged the team’s good form but stressed that playing against a strong side like South Africa presents unique challenges. Marshall believes that coach Dave Rennie is not underestimating the task ahead.
“We’ve been going well, and a good side comes and puts pressure on you. They put you into places you’re not used to being in,” Marshall explained. “I certainly don’t think Dave Rennie is underestimating what is in front of him in South Africa. That’s again what you put the boots on for. It’s the toughest challenge in the game to go there and win a series. We’ve only ever done it once in ’96.”
Evolving for the challenge
Blair reiterated the coaching staff’s awareness of the significant challenge posed by South Africa, noting their impressive performances in recent Test matches. He expects the series to be a considerable step up for the All Blacks, requiring them to evolve and improve their game.
“We’re also conscious of how impressive South Africa has been in these test matches. They’ve mixed and matched their teams without seemingly skipping a beat,” Blair stated. He believes the All Blacks can beat the Springboks in the upcoming series, emphasising the importance of cohesion and giving players opportunities. “Our challenge is how we get the guys rugby, how we get cohesion. You want to keep a test group together, but you want to be able to give guys opportunities to play their way into the test as well. It’s a really fine balance.”
The assistant coach described the schedule as tough but also as an opportunity for accelerated learning. He anticipates a demanding environment in South Africa, with a large contingent of management and players, suggesting a tight-knit approach will be necessary. Blair has been in New Zealand for over a month and has experienced several memorable moments, including haka practice and the first cap ceremony.
The four-Test battle is set to open at Ellis Park.
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Source: sarugbymag.co.za
