In regression: ABs pack lacks
After a 10-year wait for silverware, the Springboks clinched the Rugby Championship with a convincing victory over the Pumas in Salta.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks’ defeat to the Wallabies subjected them to their worst finish in the four-team event since its inception in 2012.
Rassie Erasmus’ plan is very good because the Springboks are playing to their strengths. South Africa’s set-piece is strong, they boast a great defence and a sound kick-chase but the main reason they have proved so successful is because of their territory-based game plan. The basis of the latest Boks effort was laid by their scrummaging.
It’s been a long time since a South African pack has dominated an Argentinian one as much as they did in all aspects in Salta last weekend.
In contrast, the All Blacks have regressed up front and their forward pack patently lacks the bite of seasons past.
Scott Barrett’s red-carding was a potential tipping point in the game but it was the correct decision. I believe Barrett’s sending off didn’t have a material influence on the contest because the Wallabies actually butchered three tries before halftime and were by far the better team at that stage.
In a way, Michael Cheika would have felt that the red card took some of the gloss off a really good Wallabies performance.
The All Blacks, though ageing, are still a very strong side but confidence is a precious commodity. Digging themselves out of this hole will require a supreme effort. You can debate the matter as much as you want but the bottom line is that New Zealand are not in the same position they were when they beat South Africa 57-0 in Albany two years ago.
Much has changed since then and the belief among other teams as far as beating the men in black has grown.
New Zealand have not only
succumbed to South Africa but Australia and Ireland as well and England should have beaten them at Twickenham.
All the top teams will believe that the All Blacks are beatable.
Steve Hansen’s charges are going to have to win a big pool game, a quarterfinal, semifinal and final against opposition who believe the Kiwis can be beaten. If the All Blacks then manage to win a third successive World Cup they would deserve tremendous credit.
You write the All Blacks off at your peril but they are definitely not the favourites heading into the showpiece in Japan starting next month. Maybe New Zealand and Wales won’t mind not having the favourites’ tag which, to be fair, nobody wants.
I believe the Springboks are