All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster expects the Springboks to play a more expansive game in Soweto on Saturday compared to their previous clash this year.
New Zealand won that game 21-11 in Dunedin but were fortunate enough to see the South Africans, who had the upper hand in the physical exchanges, miss 20 points from the kicking tee.
Foster said that while he didn't expect a radical change from the Boks - and the kick chase would no doubt still be part of their tactics - the five tries scored against Australia last weekend suggested that Saturday's host were ready to move the ball more with Johan Goosen at fly-half.
"They seem to have the intent to play with more width than they did against us in Dunedin and they may chuck a few different things at us on Saturday," Foster told reporters in Johannesburg.
"We'll need to assess where the threats are and make the adjustments.
"If you want to play expansive rugby, then there is the risk of errors and we've been through that process. It's not something that comes naturally.
"We still expect high balls and a tough physical battle through the forwards. Some things don't change."
Full-back Israel Dagg said that he was impressed with Boks' attacking display against the Wallabies and was looking forward to being tested by the Springboks kickers.
"We pride ourselves under the high ball, but the Springboks have put us under pressure with it in the past and they punish you if you drop it. Plus it goes a lot higher at altitude," added Dagg.
"We'll have to work together as a unit at the back."
Comments
Ferdie says...
Zambokke - please don't mention Habana and intercepts! They're ok against any other team, and he's a favourite player. But not this weekend please!!
Posted 00:51 04th October 2012
ManWarrior says...
Bokke by 10...we owe Soweto that much! Go Bokke!!!
Posted 22:42 03rd October 2012
kiwilad says...
Wizz, its easy to shut up a broken record..
Posted 22:00 03rd October 2012
Zambokke says...
I hope that we use the driving mauls against the ABs as we did in NZ. We can do well with a more expansive game, but only with support and effort at the breakdown. I also hope that we don't kick it away to the AB back three as they are so dangerous. I fancy JDV or Habana for an intercept - has to happen sometime! I agree with NH Saints - we could run them close or beat them OR we could kick it away, lose the breakdown and lose heavily. I reckon that we will push close or win!!
Posted 13:59 03rd October 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Is English your first language George Smith?
Posted 09:58 03rd October 2012
brands says...
@ G smith
your use of initials iriates, your lack of knowledge is a joke!!
Posted 09:13 03rd October 2012
rugbylover says...
Zo PR!
Yew hef dizidud tew bilk mein mzzidges!
Zis meenz w....................
Blocked by Editor PR.
Posted 08:12 03rd October 2012
rugbylover says...
!
Posted 08:03 03rd October 2012
porridge_time says...
georgesmith says...
Spoken like a true Englishman.
Posted 07:49 03rd October 2012
whizz52 says...
Georgesmith and a broken record-is there a difference? boring and repetitive - yep
Posted 07:40 03rd October 2012
georgesmith says...
Tis possible for Springboks to win. They need the right plan. The captain and forward pack leader will need to be on his toes. Something like my buddy G. Gregan used to be. Only that way, Boks can show the referee when ABs and their great leader R. McCheat resort to cheating when things don't go their way. The breakdown will be the key. All lazy Kiwi players lying all over the ruck and not moving away must be dealt yellow cards. That way we will get to see a fair contest.
Posted 05:56 03rd October 2012
NHSaints says...
I'm licking my lips at this one, Either the boks could run a real close one here or they could fall apart and have 40+ points run past them...I hope it's not the latter. It should make for a spectacle either way.
Posted 19:21 02nd October 2012