All Blacks legend Murray Mexted says the Springboks’ laser focus on the physical contest is a major part of what makes them so formidable.
Mexted, speaking on the DSPN podcast with Martin Devlin, says this will be one of the toughest battles the All Blacks will have to overcome when they lock horns with the Boks in the first Test at Ellis Park.
“The one thing about South African rugby players is they are channelled. We talk about focus, they are really, really good at focusing on what’s important. The important thing is the confrontation, and they like confrontation,” he said.
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Mexted says that hard edge is one of the defining differences between South African and New Zealand rugby.
“They definitely have an on-field, off-field mentality which I really admire. They leave it on the field, a disciplined team and they always have been.
“It’s not just the Springboks, it’s rugby players per se [in South Africa]. When you’re over there and playing interprovincial competitions, you sense that same factor with players that are a step lower. They’ve still got that really hard-minded attitude towards the game and after the game they’re perfect gentlemen. Not 100%, there’s always the exception!”
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The former All Blacks No 8 also identified what he sees as the biggest tactical difference between the two sides.
“Their priority is defence and our priority is attack so we’re quite different teams in many respects,” Mexted said.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post All Blacks legend praises steely Bok mentality appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks legend Murray Mexted says the Springboks’ laser-focus on the physical contest is a major part of what makes them so formidable.
The post All Blacks legend praises steely Bok mentality appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
