Former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie says a “classic South Africa” performance with moments that made the difference clinched victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, McKenzie analysed the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series last week at Cape Town Stadium, where the Springboks won 33-26 to level the series.
McKenzie highlighted the late changes to the Springbok lineup by Rassie Erasmus, but felt the tactical battle ultimately came down to key moments, with the Boks capitalising when opportunities presented themselves.
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“We obviously saw a different South African team run on the field from what was named. So, Rassie is Rassie,” he said.
“I was wondering what the laws or the rules are about announcing your team and then sending out a different team. Clearly there isn’t any rules because he did it, and that created a bit of subterfuge.
“I don’t think it had some impact on the game; in the end we saw two teams, thrust and parry trying to do it their way. You know, like the old song, I Did It My Way – that’s what was going on.
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“It got down to really little moments that made the difference. It was a [Cheslin] Kolbe intercept, there’s a bunch of Malcolm Marx turnovers, things like that, just crucial moments.
“But fundamentally, the All Blacks ran and tried to run around the rushing defence and the Springboks went hard at them.”
For McKenzie, the Boks’ opening try was the clearest example of Bok rugby, with Jesse Kriel crossing from a lineout maul after the All Blacks kicked into touch, and the hosts then building through their forwards.
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“If you’re looking for classic South Africa, the opening of the game was classic South Africa and I’m a bit surprised that New Zealand played straight to it,” he said.
“I mean, they kicked off deep, New Zealand kicked it into touch, South Africa had the lineout, which is what they want. They drive the ball and then they just play the same way forwards and they score under the posts.”
McKenzie believes New Zealand may need to rethink that approach when the teams meet again at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
“So kicking it into touch and giving them the lineout is probably something you’ve got to think about, or whether you kick it long and don’t kick it into touch and then you’re going to get a high ball back.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post McKenzie: Boks did it their way appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie says a “classic South Africa” performance with moments that made the difference clinched victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town.
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