Jake White says the northern hemisphere nations are closing the gap on the south, while arguing that scrumhalves are becoming the difference between winning and losing Tests.
Writing for RugbyPass, White claims the opening round of the Nations Championship has already shown what Test rugby will demand over the next 15 months.
He predicts defence, discipline and attacking ambition are set to shape the road to the 2027 World Cup as the Springboks prepare to host Scotland at Loftus on Saturday.
“Pre-pandemic, South African rugby fans could have told you who the Crusaders fullback was … but now they’re far more likely to know who the Glasgow wing is, the Leinster openside or the Cardiff flyhalf, because we’re visiting those teams more often and fans are pinpointing players who could play for their country and cause the Boks problems,” White writes.
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Among last week’s standout performing teams, he singled out Scotland, describing Gregor Townsend’s side as rugby’s ultimate “Bazballers”.
The former Bok and Vodacom Bulls boss also identifies scrumhalf as Test rugby’s most influential position.
“One position that has never been more important in Test rugby right now is scrum-half… Cam Roigard’s individual display for New Zealand, Grant Williams’ running game in Johannesburg and Jamison Gibson-Park’s almost sixth-sense alertness in Sydney make it clear that your No 9 can tip the balance whether you win or lose,” White writes.
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He says modern Test rugby resembles a game of ‘Battleships’, with analysts and coaches preparing detailed plans to exploit the space created whenever an opponent loses a player.
The 2007 World Cup winner also believes scenario planning has become more sophisticated, while teams are increasingly chasing tries and bonus points instead of settling for penalty goals.
Photo: @Springboks/X
The post Jake: Scots will cause Boks problems appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jake White says the northern hemisphere nations are closing the gap on the south, while arguing that scrumhalves are becoming the difference between winning and losing Tests.
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