Assistant coach Deon Davids has warned the All Blacks that the Springboks’ formidable forwards still have room for improvement. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The Bok pack flexed its muscles during Saturday’s third Test win at FNB Stadium, with a powerful scrum earning a penalty try late in the first half before an unstoppable 25m maul resulted in a second-half try for hooker Malcolm Marx.
The Boks have also prevented the All Blacks from getting quality lineout ball during the series, while providing a solid platform for their own attack.
“Our performance now is based on very hard work,” Davids said on Tuesday.
“Obviously, at the start, we gave a lot of players an opportunity and, through that, you build a bit of depth in the squad and try to build combinations.
“Going into the series, we understood that it was going to be very important for us to have a good set-piece. I think the hard work that we’ve been putting into the scrums, lineouts and mauling is starting to show now.
“We’re just happy that things at this stage have come together in order for us to provide a solid platform for our attack and defence.”
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Davids also praised the Bok lineout for overcoming difficult conditions at FNB Stadium.
“There were winds from different angles all over the field, so it was quite challenging for the hookers to find the right spot and get the timing right with the jumpers.
“I must commend them in terms of how they executed and read the conditions, and allowed us to get a 100% success rate [12 out of 12].”
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However, in a scary prospect for the rest of the rugby world, Davids insists the Bok pack can get even better.
“We continuously evaluate our systems, our individual effort and our effort as a pack of forwards. I think there’s still room for improvement.
“From a set-piece perspective, we will continue to strive to improve in order to find better cohesion with our attack and defence.”
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The Boks have retained the pack that did the damage at FNB Stadium for Saturday’s series decider in Baltimore, where they will look to seal a 3-1 series victory.
Jasper Wiese will again start at No 8, and with the Bok bruiser sitting alongside him at the press conference, Davids praised his contribution.
“I think Jasper, for me, epitomises what the Springboks are about,” he said. “It’s not only about what he brings on the field, but also off the field.
“I’ve been here since he started here. I can honestly talk about how he has grown in terms of his own game and also in terms of his ability to lead in the team and now share his experience with the youngsters coming in.
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“Then on the field, I think it’s obvious in terms of the way he plays as a No 8, the physicality that he brings with ball in hand and without the ball in defence.
“It’s an honour coaching him and I think he will be a massive part of the team going forward.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Davids: Bok pack can get even better appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Assistant coach Deon Davids has warned the All Blacks that the Springboks’ formidable forwards still have room for improvement.
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