Springboks ‘roll the dice’
Steve Hansen shone a bright light on the Springboks’ defensive system on a wet, gloomy day in Tokyo, saying one of the team’s most prized assets can certainly be ripped apart.
Just look at the way Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who replaced Allister Coetzee at the start of last season, has changed the way his team defends, All Blacks coach Hansen said yesterday.
‘‘Their defensive system has changed a lot. They roll the dice big time,’’ Hansen said as he fronted media to discuss his side’s World Cup first pool game against the Springboks in Yokohama on Saturday night.
‘‘To be able to roll the dice like they do, they have got to be fit. So he has got them fit.’’
For those who are unfamiliar with the rugby jargon, rolling the dice means demanding the wings leave their position on the edge of the park to help put immense pressure on opposition backlines.
As witnessed in Wellington on July 27, when they drew 16-16 with the All Blacks, the Springboks are clearly capable of sending in the quickies to force ball carriers to make errors.
‘‘And they are good at it; very, very good at it,’’ Hansen added.
‘‘You want them to roll a couple of ones, rather than a pair of sixes.’’
Now for the good news. And this is something that All Black fans, who had best pack a strong umbrella and a rain jacket for their trip to Japan, will appreciate.
While Erasmus has empowered his wings to zoom in and create major discomfort for opponents, he has had to be prepared to risk plenty to do so.
That is where Hansen sees chances for his side to break open the Springboks’ defensive screen. Steve Hansen on Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus
‘‘The reason we didn’t execute better [in Wellington] was because their defence was good. ‘‘Are there opportunities? Yes. ‘‘If there is one thing I do know South Africa will give us opportunities because they roll the dice.
‘‘Are we good enough to take them? Will the weather conditions allow us to take them? They are all things we will have to wait and see.’’
The All Blacks have never lost a pool game in the history of the
World Cup, something that could potentially bolster the confidence levels as they count down the nights for this highly anticipated clash.
Hansen confirmed all squad members are fit.
There had been speculation Sonny Bill Williams would return home because of injury, and be replaced by Ngani Laumape, but Hansen said the big midfielder was going nowhere and would be available for selection.
Beating the Springboks requires – among other things – patience, a decent kicking game and ‘‘the right intent’’.
The All Blacks have noted their opponents like to shift the ball to the edges, push it infield, return to the tram lines and then go back to the middle of the park for halfback Faf de Klerk to kick for the corners.
Yet Hansen remained cautious: ‘‘But if you go there thinking that’s what they are going to do, they are going to hurt you. Because they will be devising their strategies and they will be adding to their game as we are.’’
When the two sides drew in Wellington, the All Blacks were without flankers Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.
Matt Todd started on the openside and Shannon Frizell, who has been called in as a replacement for the concussed Luke Jacobson, was at No 6.
Cane and Savea are both expected to start in Yokohama. Both teams will be named on Thursday.
The All Blacks coaches have also had to ask their players to ease up this week.
‘‘Ironically I think it’s the older guys you have to keep in mind,’’ Hansen noted. ‘‘Because they know what’s coming and they are really excited by that. Young guys are still learning about World Cups and what is coming.
‘‘It’s the older guys you just have to rein in.’’
‘‘To be able to roll the dice like they do, they have got to be fit. So he has got them fit.’’