Caleb Clarke admits the All Blacks have struggled to adapt to the new aerial laws and that the Springboks exposed that.
World Rugby outlawed escorts in late 2024, meaning teams can no longer impede or obstruct chasing players competing for a high ball. The Boks quickly took advantage during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, repeatedly putting the ball into the air and putting pressure on the All Blacks’ catchers.
Clarke, who missed the series after suffering an injury against the Sharks in Durban, acknowledged that the All Blacks have found it difficult to adjust.
“It’s a tough one, honestly, and with these new rules, it has been tough for us to adjust, especially when it comes to that one-on-one competition in the air,” the winger said on Sky Sport NZ’s Breakdown Show.
“It’s literally what we have been talking about all the time around catching it cleanly. For me, it’s a part of the game that I enjoy, especially chasing after it because I have a free jump for the ball, and it’s a one-on-one match-up with someone else,” Clarke said.
TINDALL: Boks got the game unlocked
The All Blacks have experimented with different approaches, including having wingers run backwards to catch the ball over their shoulders rather than running directly onto it.
Clarke said they had also tried catching the ball on the run and coming forward to contest it.
“But credit to the Boks, who just really put pressure on the catcher and everyone else who were picking up those scraps.”
Clarke has worked specifically on his aerial skills, including a training stint with the Sydney Swans earlier this year.
He said the fundamentals of jumping, timing and catching the ball at the highest point were among the lessons he brought back to rugby.
GOLDIE: Boks can’t get much better
The All Blacks are continuing to work on their aerial game in training, but Clarke admitted their execution has not always matched their preparation.
“We’re putting in the work, and that’s sort of the disappointing part is when it comes down to the day, it just doesn’t stick,” he said.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Clarke: Boks exposed aerial weakness appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Caleb Clarke admits the All Blacks have struggled to adapt to the new aerial laws and that the Springboks exposed that.
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