How All Blacks’ vast array of playmakers can break down the Springboks defence as Sir Steve Hansen pinpoints South Africa’s linchpin
Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie in action for the All Blacks.
The All Blacks can expose the Springboks’ extreme blitz if they are accurate and get their timing right, according to Rugby World Cup winner Sir Steve Hansen.
While the rush defence has been around the sport for a while, South Africa have taken that to the next level since the arrival of Rassie Erasmus in 2018.
Defence guru Jacques Nienaber was the mastermind behind it, helping the Boks to back-to-back world titles before Irishman Jerry Flannery came on board following the 2023 triumph.
Flannery might have made some subtle alterations since joining but the premise has remained the same with the Springboks often flying up on the outside.
Key Springboks defenders
Centre Jesse Kriel is crucial to its success, while the wings also have plenty of responsibility to know when to come up and shut down the attack.
“You know Jesse’s going to come and they will definitely be coming if they’re short on numbers so you’ve just got to get the depth right,” Hansen told the Rugby Unity podcast.
“Let’s call that player the hinge player – if we get past him we’re away – so that hinge player just has to have enough depth and enough foot control – not running that fast that he can’t catch and pass under real pressure.
“It doesn’t matter if he’s walking or if he’s standing still, give himself enough time to get the ball away then there’s going to be space.
“Usually the winger comes with Jesse, so those two guys are going to be crucial about making sure we’ve got enough time and space.”
The All Blacks have tended to struggle against the rush defence over the past few years, but there is no doubting the skill set of their players.
New boss Dave Rennie has also stacked his team with playmakers. As well as the half-backs, Cam Roigard and Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan all have excellent passing and off-loading games.
That was displayed in the Nations Championship where New Zealand were a constant threat in the wider channels.
All Blacks’ attacking improvement
“When you’re looking at what they’re trying to do at the moment, and they haven’t got it perfect yet, you can see that’s what they’re trying to do,” Hansen said.
“They’re doing it with good running lines, they’re not going sideways making it easier, they’re making it harder for that winger to come in.
“He’s going to have to come a long way in and if he does they’ve got to have plenty of cover in the backfield because they’re going to have people running down those sidelines.”
Rennie and the All Blacks will know what is coming their way but the challenge will be negating those Springboks strengths.
“They are things you know are going to happen so what are we going to do to challenge them? That’s the art of good coaching,” Hansen added.
“Don’t give them what they want, understand what they do best and then challenge that.
“If Jesse comes and doesn’t get what he wants, what’s going to happen? He’s going to get frustrated and frustrated players aren’t usually on top of their game.”
