Boks need to make use of opportunities against All Blacks, says Stick
SPRINGBOK assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says it’s going to be crucial that they capitalise on their opportunities when they face the All Blacks in Gold Coast today (kick-off: 12.05pm SA time).
The Boks will meet the Kiwis in their last Rugby Championship game of the season after suffering an agonising 17-19 defeat against Ian Foster’s men in their 100th meeting in Townsville last week.
It was a game the South Africans could have won and, given recent results – two losses against the Wallabies, a win against the All Blacks would have been even more welcome than usual.
Not only were the Boks in the game, but they also rattled the Kiwis, and that’s not a very common sight.
But some questionable decision-making – especially in the latter stages of the game – and shaky execution played a role in the frustrating result.
Speaking on the eve of their meeting with their rivals, Stick shared what he thought are going to be key factors in securing a win against New Zealand.
“You know the nature of the game between the Springboks and the All Blacks… the team that creates opportunities has a good chance at winning the game. It’s always tough playing against them, they are a great side.”
“You are probably not going to get five opportunities to win against them, so if you do get an opportunity you need to take it. I think that is something we must improve on this week, if we get an opportunity we must try and get the points. We were in the game until the last second, so we are not really going to change much. I think the only thing we need to do is make sure that when we get those opportunities we convert them to points.
“While the Boks have in recent weeks allowed some higher numbers
to slip under their ‘tackles missed’ stats column than what we’re used to, the All Blacks could manage only one try against them last week.”
That in itself has Stick pleased with the side’s defence. He did, however, highlight where he does think some improvement is needed.
“New Zealand scored one try against us last week, so in terms of defence that was a good performance, we just need to improve on our discipline and make sure we don’t give them those easy, soft three points. Defensively, I think we are in a good space.”