Former Sharks coach John Plumtree believes the All Blacks could exploit an area of the Springboks’ game to win big at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
After the Boks conceded five tries in a 33-16 defeat in the first Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park, Plumtree said they would need to adjust their defensive approach.
“I think this up-and-in linespeed they’ve got against the modern attacks is now becoming a little bit risky,” he said.
While the Boks bounced back with a 33-26 win in Cape Town, the All Blacks outscored them by four tries to three.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s third Test in Johannesburg, Plumtree again identified South Africa’s rush defence as an area the All Blacks can exploit.
“I criticised the Springbok defence last week as being too narrow,” he said on PlayZN’s TMO podcast. “Again, we saw the All Blacks get the ball to the edge because our wingers are defending inside the 15m instead of on the outside. They are defending way too tight.
“There is opportunity for the All Blacks to get them on the edge and that will still be their plan.
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“The Kiwis have three layers of attack,” Plumtree explained. “They have the first layer, a second layer which the ball can be passed out, but a third layer [as well].
“Now if the defence comes up and comes in on those layers, there’s still an extra attacker on the edge.
“It only takes a good skill set in those first passes – one from a forward to a back, from a back to a back, and then another from a back to the wider back. So that’s four passes.
“If that’s all quality skill set against a rush defence, you get that ball wide. I know the Springboks are awesome at scrambling, but the scramble’s not going to get them out of trouble all the time. And we’re already seeing nine tries scored.
“If the All Blacks can get the ball that they need this week, particularly around the lineout, they could be up by 20 points at half-time.
“That’s what could happen if they get front-foot ball.”
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Plumtree expects the All Blacks to get enough of that ball at FNB Stadium and is predicting a convincing victory for them.
“New Zealand are going to win by 15 points,” he said.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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Former Sharks coach John Plumtree believes the All Blacks could exploit an area of the Springboks’ game to win big at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
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