Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald believes New Zealand have made subtle adjustments to their attacking approach ahead of Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
The All Blacks are expected to face a ferocious defensive challenge from the Boks, but Donald says they have not abandoned the attacking philosophy that has underpinned their game under coach Dave Rennie so far.
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Speaking on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav, Donald explained that New Zealand are still looking to play with pace and ambition, while accepting that South Africa will attempt to disrupt their rhythm.
“The All Blacks are still trying to play that up-tempo, brilliant attacking game against defences who are going to try to slow it down, who are going to use every little advantage they can find,” Donald said.
“The All Blacks are still finding a way to create a disjointed defence line to play against. They know they’re not going to have it perfect and they’re not going to have it all on their terms, but they’re still trying to be brave and adventurous.”
Donald believes the Boks will have to take the opposite approach if they are to limit New Zealand’s attacking threat.
“Being able to shut down the line speed is one of the first things,” he said.
“When you think about what the All Blacks are trying to do, the Springboks are going to have to do the opposite. They’re going to have to slow the ruck speed down, which they will.”
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The former Test flyhalf also highlighted the importance of the set-piece and kicking game for the Boks.
“They’re obviously going to come at the All Blacks’ set-piece because if you can come at the set-piece and disrupt the set-piece, then all of a sudden you can win that first collision a lot easier,” Donald said.
“And their kicking game is going to be important. They’re going to try and land kicks on our receivers and get their chase-line at the same time to flood the ruck and slow the All Black defence down.”
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Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
The post Beav backs All Blacks’ Bok plan B appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald believes New Zealand have made subtle adjustments to their attacking approach ahead of Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
The post Beav backs All Blacks’ Bok plan B appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
