Victor Matfield and Robbi Kempson are less confident about the Springboks’ chances of whitewashing the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Kempson admitted he had initially backed the world champions to sweep the four-Test series, but now believes the All Blacks have shown enough in the Nations Championship – and Saturday’s 40-21 victory against Ireland in particular – to suggest it will be a much sterner challenge.
“Before this weekend’s game I thought we wouldn’t have a problem beating them,” the former Bok prop said on The Final Whistle. “Now I think it won’t be so easy.
“They’re going to be here [in South Africa] for a very long time and factors like altitude won’t bother them. The playing field will be level, although they’ll have to come and play us in our stadiums.
“I think we can prepare for one hell of a tour.”
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Matfield said the All Blacks looked rejuvenated under new coach Dave Rennie.
“They’re playing very good rugby at the moment and it’s going to be very difficult to beat them 4-0.
“When Rassie [Erasmus] took over at the Boks, his first task was to make a return to the DNA of South African rugby.
“It feels to me that the All Blacks have now returned to their DNA under the coaching of Dave Rennie. They attack the wide channels, but also have options in the middle of the field. They look dangerous again when they have possession.”
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However, Matfield expects the Boks’ defence to pose a far tougher test than Ireland’s and believes the All Blacks will also have to prove they can match the world champions physically, particularly at scrum time.
Kempson said the Boks can’t afford to let the All Blacks get quick ruck ball, pointing out that Rennie’s team “were very effective at the breakdowns and Ireland could not find a solution to that”.
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Victor Matfield and Robbi Kempson are less confident about the Springboks’ chances of whitewashing the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
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