All Blacks prepare for South African tour
All Blacks prepare for South African tour
The All Blacks are set to embark on a challenging four-Test series against South Africa, known as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. This follows their recent performances in the Nations Championship, where they remained unbeaten under coach Dave Rennie.
The tour will see the All Blacks face provincial teams including the Sharks, Stormers, and Vodacom Bulls next month in South Africa. The main Test series will commence at Ellis Park, followed by matches in Cape Town and Soweto, with the finale scheduled for Baltimore.
Stephen Donald, a former All Blacks flyhalf, expressed confidence in New Zealand‘s ability to dominate the series. Speaking on Sky Sports NZ’s The Breakdown, Donald suggested that the team could win the first three Tests, potentially allowing South Africa to win the final match in the United States. He highlighted the team’s ability to adapt their kicking game, even when facing slow ball possession.
However, former All Blacks star Justin Marshall offered a more cautious perspective, acknowledging the difficulty of securing a series victory in South Africa. He noted that winning a series there is considered one of the toughest challenges in rugby, a feat New Zealand has achieved only once before in 1996.
Coaching staff assesses team’s attack
All Blacks assistant coach Mike Blair has been evaluating the team’s attacking strategies under Dave Rennie. The coaching staff, including Blair, who oversees the All Blacks‘ attack, aims to implement a counter-attacking, free-flowing style of play.
During the Nations Championship, Rennie‘s side demonstrated their attacking prowess by scoring 34 points against France in Christchurch, points against Italy in Wellington, and 40 points against Ireland at Eden Park. Despite these high scores, Blair indicated that there are still areas for improvement.
Blair emphasised the need for more variety in their attacking plays, stating that the team needs to be able to both play through and manipulate the opposition’s defence. He believes that while the team has shown pleasing ball movement and decision-making, there is room for growth in their approach within the 22.
The coaching staff is aware of the significant challenge that awaits them in South Africa, especially given the consistent performance of the Springboks, who have maintained their form even when rotating players. Blair acknowledged that the tour will be a considerable step up for the All Blacks, requiring them to evolve and improve further.
Blair expressed confidence in the All Blacks‘ ability to succeed in the upcoming four-Test series against the Springboks. He highlighted the importance of cohesion within the squad and the delicate balance of keeping a core Test group together while also providing opportunities for other players. The coach anticipates that the demanding schedule will accelerate the team’s learning and development.
The tour is expected to be a rigorous experience, with approximately 80 management and players forming a tight-knit unit against the backdrop of South Africa. The All Blacks will face the Sharks, Stormers, and Vodacom Bulls next month before the Test series begins.
Blair reflected on his initial month in New Zealand, noting several memorable moments, including meeting the coaches and players, participating in haka practice, and witnessing a first cap ceremony, as well as a player achieving a record for tries.
The All Blacks will meet South Africa again in Cape Town and Soweto after a midweek clash against the Lions, before concluding the series in Baltimore.
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Source: sarugbymag.co.za
