Defence that wins Cups
Ireland’s defence is actually very good under Farrell but they have looked vulnerable with this new rush defence. It will be a good game where both teams will have opportunities but still I think an All Blacks victory is on the cards. Steve Hansen’s charges should be smart and skilled enough to hold out against Ireland and book their place in the last four.
Nigel Owens, who will oversee the 32nd test between Ireland and New Zealand, is just a very good referee. His ability to change his mind when he realises he is wrong is unique to referees. He manages his ego superbly. He speaks to the players with respect and expects the same from them.
In terms of the South AfricaJapan quarterfinal, you can’t imagine the hosts having the firepower. When you look at this Japanese team, they just don’t have the forward ammunition to beat the Boks. South Africa would rather play against the Japanese than an out-of-sorts Ireland.
Rassie Erasmus now knows how to beat Japan, having done so 41-7 in the World Cup warmup match. South Africa dominated the mauls, scrums and aerial contests.
Japan will look at that match and say they created enough space on attack. On the day, they just didn’t take their chances and they will note: ‘‘If there is one team whose defence we can break down it’s South Africa’s.’’
They would assess South Africa’s defence and almost look forward to playing against them. They would think: ‘‘Fine, this is a decent defensive system from South Africa, which put the All Blacks under pressure, but maybe we can break it down.’’ ExAll Blacks first-five Tony Brown, who serves as Japan’s attack coach, has been amazing. He would be sizing up the scene and almost licking his lips.
Japan won’t get forward dominance or gain aerial parity, but wow can they attack. From a South African point of view, they are not going to beat Japan by playing from deep. It’s neither Rassie’s nor the Springboks’ way. Rassie is literally playing to South Africa’s strengths and he must keep doing it.
South African Brendan Venter is a 1995 Rugby World Cup winner and a former assistant coach of the Springboks.