Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald believes the Springboks have become one of the most unpredictable attacking teams in world rugby.
Analysing all nine tries South Africa scored across last year’s two Tests against New Zealand on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav podcast, Donald said the Boks’ attack is built on far more than just aerial pressure.
“There has been so much hysteria about the high ball,” Donald said. “Well, that was only a part of one of their tries.
“Over half the tries were scored from what you’d say were set-piece and dominance, or at least pressure, whether it was scrum or lineout.
“But then there were some amazing counter-attacks.”
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Donald highlighted Ethan Hooker’s counter-attacking run, Pieter-Steph du Toit’s role in the wide channels and RG Snyman’s athleticism as examples of how South Africa’s attack has expanded under attack coach Tony Brown.
He also warned that Cheslin Kolbe remains capable of turning a match in an instant.
Discussing Kolbe’s famous intercept try in Wellington, Donald said the All Blacks had done “very little wrong”.
“They actually created a three-on-one, but Cheslin still has that magical ability of somehow getting in the passing lane without compromising his defensive job. It wasn’t a big loopy pass. It was just great skill and great intelligence from Cheslin.”
Despite the Springboks’ improved attacking variety, Donald believes their traditional strengths remain the foundation of their success.
“Yes, there’s been cross-kicks. Yes, there’s been wonderful attack from the Springboks,” he said.
“But don’t forget, and don’t pretend, that this isn’t coming either. It’s their bread and butter. Dare I use the most overused cliché in rugby these days? It’s the DNA of the Springboks. It is going to be them at set-piece.”
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Looking ahead to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, Donald said the All Blacks’ forwards must first match South Africa physically before worrying about stopping their increasingly dangerous attack.
“It’s still their No 1 weapon,” he said of the Springboks’ set-piece. “You could argue they’ve won two World Cups back-to-back on set-pieces.”
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post Ex-All Black hails Boks’ ‘wonderful’ attacking variety appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald believes the Springboks have become one of the most unpredictable attacking teams in world rugby.
The post Ex-All Black hails Boks’ ‘wonderful’ attacking variety appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
