The Springboks had a field day at lineout time in last night's Tri-Nations rugby test here because the All Blacks forwards burdened themselves with too much information says New Zealand hooker Anton Oliver.
In an honest appraisal of why the Springboks effortlessly claimed all their own throws, former captain Oliver said the All Blacks had placed too much emphasis on learning every South African combination and only ended up confusing themselves.
While the hosts fought "tooth and nail" to win their own ball, Oliver said it was annoying to see Springboks locks Victor Matfield and Albert van den Berg unchallenged in snaffling two-handed possession.
"I was getting a bit pissed off as well, I wanted us to get up and try to get a few more," he said.
"I think we had sensory overload. When we got out there we were trying to cover too many spaces."
All Blacks' pre-test analysis showed the Springboks had 12 different lineout formations.
However, renowned lineout general Matfield appeared to be a step ahead of the New Zealand defence system all night.
Eventually the All Blacks gave up reading the visitors' calls and simply concentrated on stopping their lineout drives.
"It was a pretty good trade-off, but we've learned we can't try to cover every throw," Oliver said
The All Blacks lost three of their own lineouts and appeared fortunate not to concede more as some throws sailed over their intended target only to be snaffled by another forward in black at the tail.
Oliver, who has introduced a wide-leg stance for his throwing technique, was happy enough with his own efforts.
"I feel my performance was immeasurably better than the Argentina game," he said of his previous test start.
"I've changed a couple of technical things, the ball's coming out a lot better and I feel a lot more confident.
"Matfield has to be recognised as one of the world's best defensive locks. I think he gave the Australians a curry-up too."
Oliver said often the throw, jump and lift went exactly to plan last night but the Springboks had simply read the call which turned possession into a 50-50 contest.
Forwards coach Steve Hansen was unhappy their lineout standards had dropped to that of the poor showings against Ireland and Argentina last month.
Yet it was a facet which had operated well against Australia in the Tri-Nations opener two weeks ago.
"Sometimes we put pressure on ourselves through the opposition and worrying about it," Hansen said.
"I don't think it's one person or one thing.
"We have to keep our self-belief. We showed against Australia that we can lineout well."
Flanker Reuben Thorne, making his first test appearance since he captained the All Blacks at the 2003 World Cup, was the most effective lineout performer and earned congratulations from Hansen for a fine return.
"Reuben was outstanding. He got around the park and tackled superbly," he said.
"He got three lineout takes and he carried the ball. I think he'll be pretty satisfied."
NZPA
Ah the good old days. Big Vic invaded the psyche of New Zealand. A year later and their lineout was even worse! If only we could scrum. They always had our number.
