Springboks can go ‘through you, around you, over you’ as All Blacks coach offers blunt view on arch rivals’ ‘second-row crisis’
Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth is tackled by All Blacks counterpart Scott Barrett.
Although the Springboks are experiencing a “second-row crisis”, it’s not weighing on the All Blacks’ minds as they expect a big onslaught from their hosts in Saturday’s Test in Johannesburg.
The Springboks’ team announcement for the Rugby Championship clash was made on Tuesday and head coach Rassie Erasmus named a makeshift lock pairing with first choice blindside flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit packing down alongside the inexperienced Ruan Nortje in the second-row.
This, after the experienced Eben Etzebeth was ruled out due to a knee injury while fellow locks Salmaan Moerat, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert and Jean Kleyn are also crocked at the moment.
Etzebeth could still feature for the Boks
That meant that the Boks do not have genuine lock cover on their replacements bench but Erasmus hinted later that Etzebeth’s injury was not too serious and that he could still play against the All Blacks this weekend.
There is no doubt that Etzebeth’s presence will significantly boost the Boks’ presence as the double World Cup winner is one of the greats of the South African game.
Whoever the Boks field in their second-row on Saturday, All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen expects them to give a good account of themselves.
“The depth and experience and talent of South African rugby… whoever they put out there, they are in a Test jersey and will do their country proud, we know that,” he said.
Hansen said the All Blacks are aware that a tough challenge lies in wait when they take to the field this weekend.
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“They’re the rugby world champions and they’re playing like it,” he said. “They’re confident in their game and their brand of forward power, kicking pressure, and also their ability to use the ball.
“We’ve had a look around where the game is and their style. Fundamentally, their coaches are building their game plan and we understand where they want to be.
“What you have to understand is the depth and excitement of South African rugby. It’s unbelievable. It’s a hell of an opportunity and challenge for us on Saturday. We know how good they are.
‘We’ll have to be at our best’
“They have the ability to go through you, around you, over you, so we have to be right on with our game, we’ll have to be at our best.”
Being involved in a Test at Ellis Park is a new experience for Hansen and several other members of the All Blacks’ touring party but he said the senior players in the side have shared stories about previous matches at the daunting venue with them.
“Your leaders are storytellers,” he said. “They talk about their experiences and they’ve shared those this week with us. It’s been really exciting to hear the stories around what it’s like to be out there at Ellis Park… the leaders are key in terms of the mindset and they’ll set that for the team.
“I know the rivalry. I’ve watched it from afar and I’ve respected it.”
