The Springboks’ superior depth could prove decisive against the All Blacks as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series begins at Ellis Park, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane believes the opening Test will provide the first meaningful insight into how the four-match battle may unfold, with South Africa and New Zealand having contrasting rugby identities but equally formidable match-day squads.
“The joy of Saturday’s series opener at Ellis Park is that once the first of four successive Tests has been played, the real analysis can happen.”
Keohane notes that Rassie Erasmus has selected the core of the side that overwhelmed England in the Nations Championship opener, while Dave Rennie has retained almost the entire team that dismantled Ireland in Auckland. Although neither combination has played together since, both coaches have spent recent weeks rotating players and building depth ahead of the series.
KEO: De Allende’s 100th Test to end in Boks by 10
He dismisses suggestions from the All Blacks that the Springboks rely on slowing games down to neutralise attacking sides, pointing instead to South Africa’s recent record and performances against New Zealand as evidence of a team comfortable playing at pace.
“This view is ignorant because the Springboks’ 33 wins in their last 37 Test matches tell a very different story.”
For Keohane, the clash between Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ruben Love at flyhalf symbolises the attacking ambition both teams will bring, while the quality across every position could produce one of Ellis Park’s great Test spectacles.
RASSIE: Sacha has done wonderful things for us
Keohane points to the 2024 Ellis Park Test, when the Springboks trailed the All Blacks 27-17 going into the final quarter before the power of their replacements changed the nature of the contest and helped secure a 31-27 victory.
“I expect a similar on-field narrative on Saturday, with the All Blacks starting powerfully and the Springboks finishing powerfully.”
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post Boks built to finish strong appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Springboks’ superior depth could prove decisive against the All Blacks as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series begins at Ellis Park, writes @mark_keohane
The post Boks built to finish strong appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
