Ruan Nortjé says the Springboks are already working on new ways to disrupt the All Blacks’ lineout after dominating that area in the second Test in Cape Town.
The series is locked at 1-1 heading into Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with the world champions chasing a historic first victory over New Zealand at the iconic venue.
However, the Boks will be confident of avenging the 2010 and 2012 defeats after their 33-26 victory in Cape Town.
One of their biggest successes in that second Test came at the lineout, where Eben Etzebeth’s reading of the All Blacks’ throws proved crucial.
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The veteran lock stole three New Zealand lineouts, including one at a critical moment when the All Blacks were just 5m from the Springboks’ tryline.
Nortjé says there was no luck involved, with Etzebeth’s street smarts and the detailed analysis done by the Springboks allowing them to make those high-pressure calls.
“Experience definitely makes a big difference in that regard, and I just go with what Eben says in those moments and follow him in the defensive lineouts,” said Nortjé.
MORE: Nortjé braces for lineout battle
But the Boks know they cannot simply repeat the same strategy and expect the same reward.
Nortjé believes New Zealand will have had a proper look at what happened in Cape Town, forcing the Boks to adapt their approach.
“We’re very happy with how the lineout functioned last weekend, but we can’t expect it to be the same again,” he said.
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The Springboks’ analysis does not come solely from the coaching staff. Nortjé also highlighted the role played by squad members who are not selected for match-day duty, with their input helping identify opportunities to exploit the All Blacks.
“In a match, it’s sometimes also about being adaptable by trying to analyse what they are going to do at a certain point,” he added.
Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
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Ruan Nortjé says the Springboks are already working on new ways to disrupt the All Blacks’ lineout after dominating that area in the second Test in Cape Town.
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