The Springboks and All Blacks have contrasting rugby identities, but there is no single right way to win a Test match, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the opening two Tests of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series have demonstrated why the contrasting styles of South Africa and New Zealand have produced such a compelling rivalry for more than a century.
“These teams apply pressure differently. One way is not more noble, more sophisticated or more correct than the other.”
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At Ellis Park, the Boks were inaccurate and ill-disciplined, allowing the All Blacks to find rhythm, create width and exploit space.
In Cape Town, the Boks reversed the pressure through a functioning set-piece, accurate kicking game, dominant defence and remarkable discipline, conceding only their second penalty in the 65th minute.
Keohane believes neither side needs to imitate the other.
“The Springboks want to squeeze a match until the opposition runs out of air. The All Blacks want to stretch it until the defence runs out of numbers.”
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Siya Kolisi’s return in Cape Town also gave the Boks an emotional, physical and technical lift, while Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx were immense. For New Zealand, Cam Roigard, Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan and Ardie Savea have underlined their influence across the opening two Tests.
With the series locked at 1-1, Keohane expects the third Test in front of 90,000 fans at FNB Stadium to again be decided by discipline, set-piece accuracy, the collisions and each team’s ability to impose pressure in its own way.
“It may sound boring in the preview, but there will be nothing boring about it on Saturday.
“It will be brutal. It will be magnificent and it will be worthy of a World Cup final.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Greatest rivals bring different weapons appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Springboks and All Blacks have contrasting rugby identities, but there is no single right way to win a Test match, writes @mark_keohane
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