Plumtree says he would kick without space....

JOHN PLUMTREE says the Springboks' decision-making will be key against the All Blacks at Newlands on Saturday. On Monday, Allister Coetzee said the Boks would continue with their ball-in-hand approach. If I was him, I wouldn't be talking to the team about an attacking or expansive game this week, I would be emphasising the need to make good on-field decisions and play the situation. The Boks will rely on their main drivers – Ross Cronjé, Elton Jantjies and Andries Coetzee – in this regard. If the Boks are in their 22 and there's space out wide, then attack that space – Beauden Barrett often does it for the All Blacks when it's on. But if there's not, then kicking is the better option. Barrett has kicked more than any other player in this year's Rugby Championship, and the All Blacks generally kick more than any other team. The key is that they know when to use contestable, attacking or clearance kicks. In my last column for SARugbymag.co.za, I said the Bok defence would not be able to shut down the All Blacks attack in Albany. That proved to be the case, with the All Blacks scoring eight tries and 57 points. The Boks' defence was lateral, which would have pleased the All Blacks because it created more space for them to attack the inside shoulder. In contrast, the All Blacks were more aggressive off the line, which I think is because of a more aggressive approach from defence coach Wayne Smith. Some have said that the Boks should use a rush defence against the All Blacks – like the British & Irish Lions did successfully in June – but you cannot change a team's defensive system in a short space of time. With a rush defence, every player has to be on the same page, because if someone gets his timing wrong, you're in trouble. It takes lots of practice. The All Blacks won the collisions against the Boks in Albany – on attack and defence – and the Boks can't give them that luxury at Newlands. South Africa also need to get their set pieces right – they lost five lineouts and conceded three scrum penalties in Albany – to stand any chance of causing what would be a big upset. All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has remained in New Zealand with his wife after the tragic premature loss of their baby boy. He is a special player and loves the challenge of playing the Boks in South Africa. But Luke Romano and Sam Whitelock have played together at the Crusaders, and while Scott Barrett is inexperienced at Test level he has grown as a player, so I don't think the All Blacks will miss Retallick too much. On a different note, I'd like to wish Robert du Preez and the Sharks well as they head into the business end of the Currie Cup. Bring the trophy back to Durban, boys!

So another voice of reason. We should kick rather than engage in toothless phase play in our 22.....we haven't developed the rush defence that helped the Lions contain the ABs....players can't just execute the 'process' they have to make judgements on the field. .. Unfortunately our 3 buffoons ....Coetzee, Smith and Venter....are doubling down. .. I do disagree on Retallik though...he is a big loss.

 That rush defence didnt work without a compliant ref though.

Good article but he made himself sound like a fool when he says Retallick won't be missed much, the guy has consistently been one of the best players in the world for a good few years now, he's phenomenal .