The All Blacks need to have their “eyes open” if they hope to knock over a more attacking Springbok team in Saturday’s Rugby Championship showdown at Ellis Park (kick-off 5pm).
That was the advice of their defence coach, Scott Hansen, as the Kiwis seek revenge for their 12-11 Rugby World Cup final defeat in Paris in October last year.
It could not be closer between the two big rivals over the past few years. Since Rassie Erasmus took charge of the Boks in 2018, both teams have registered five victories, with a lone draw in Wellington in 2019.
“We’ve had a look around where their game is and their style, and fundamentally, their coaches are building a game plan,” the 48-year-old former Crusaders scrumhalf said.
“So, we understand what that is, around where they want to be. What we’ve got to acknowledge is the depth and excitement in South African rugby – it’s unbelievable.
“We know how good they are – they are the world champions, and us playing them in their front yard. I’ve coached with Tony (Brown, Bok attack coach) for a number of years, and I can see his personality in their team, the excitement to use the ball, for sure.
“We understand what their strengths are and where they want to go, and what I’ve enjoyed is how they’re using the ball – whether it’s with their forwards or backs.
“They’ve got a dynamic game around power, and also their ability at set piece. Fundamentally, they come back to that ... their set piece is dominant, first and foremost. The game for us starts there.
“For us, being eyes open (to counter the Bok attack). Where South Africa sees the space now, their ability to get it there ... Their game plan – they’ve got the ability to go through you and around you, and over you.”
The All Blacks were rocked by the resignation of their own attack coach, Leon MacDonald, just a day before they travelled to South Africa.
Sunday team challenges after some big travel days ☀️
Ready to rip into training tomorrow 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/rpLx9kw4BL
Hansen, though, felt that MacDonald’s departure – after just five Tests – hasn’t disrupted the team significantly.
“Well, first and foremost, we’ve acknowledged Leon as a great man and coach, and what we’ve done is sat down as a group and said we must look forward – and that’s what we’ve done,” he said.
“For the leaders, it’s essentially their team and how they lead it, and it’s a continuation of what All Black rugby is, and build on our fundamentals – using our athletes to find space, whether through carries or possession, or the kick-game.
“So, fundamentally for us, nothing has changed. We’ve adjusted, we’re working on it.”