In a display of tactical brilliance, the Springboks dismantled the All Blacks with a record-setting thrashing in Wellington, showcasing a matured approach that prioritized quick ball movement over physical dominance. Former All Black James Parsons praised the South African team's strategic shift under Rassie Erasmus, which led to a devastating 43-10 victory, marking the All Blacks' worst defeat ever.
According to Parsons, the Boks' altered game plan involved carrying the ball into contact more conservatively, a significant departure from their usual bruising style. "They almost sacrificed those extra two or three metres to recycle that ball quickly," he explained, highlighting how this approach paid dividends, especially in the latter stages of the game where the Springboks scored four out of their six tries.
"Well, South Africa won the collision on attack in particular. They had a 70% gain line, which is no surprise, but the All Blacks haven’t faced a 70% gain line this season."
Parsons further dissected the Boks' execution on the Aotearoa Rugby Podcast, noting that despite the team's 21 turnovers, their strategy to go to ground faster alleviated pressure, allowing for swifter and more effective plays. This adjustment in their carry strategy not only disrupted the All Blacks' defensive setup but also leveraged the dry conditions in Wellington, contrasting sharply with the previous wet match in Auckland where the Boks struggled to convert their chances.
The Springboks' performance was not just about physicality but also about smart rugby. Erasmus’s choice to field a younger, agile backline paid off, challenging the traditional expectations of South African rugby. "They were really mature in their approach, and it shows their ability to really understand multiple ways of playing rugby," Parsons added, emphasizing the team's adaptability and tactical acumen.
As for the All Blacks, Parsons hinted at necessary adjustments for future encounters, stressing the importance of dominating the set-piece and collisions from the get-go. The Springboks’ strategy, if replicated, will continue to pose significant challenges for any team, underscoring a pivotal shift in how the giants of southern hemisphere rugby could approach their game henceforth.
The historic victory in Wellington not only signifies a tactical evolution for the Springboks but also sets a new benchmark in the fierce rivalry with the All Blacks, redefining the dynamics of power in international rugby.
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In a display of tactical brilliance, the Springboks dismantled the All Blacks with a record-setting thrashing in Wellington, showcasing a matured approach that prioritized quick ball movement over physical dominance. Former All Black James Parsons praised the South African team's strategic shift under Rassie Erasmus, which led to a devastating 43-10 victory, marking the All Blacks' worst defeat ever.
According to Parsons, the Boks' altered game plan involved carrying the ball into contact more conservatively, a significant departure from their usual bruising style. "They almost sacrificed those extra two or three metres to recycle that ball quickly," he explained, highlighting how this approach paid dividends, especially in the latter stages of the game where the Springboks scored four out of their six tries.
"Well, South Africa won the collision on attack in particular. They had a 70% gain line, which is no surprise, but the All Blacks haven’t faced a 70% gain line this season."
Parsons further dissected the Boks' execution on the Aotearoa Rugby Podcast, noting that despite the team's 21 turnovers, their strategy to go to ground faster alleviated pressure, allowing for swifter and more effective plays. This adjustment in their carry strategy not only disrupted the All Blacks' defensive setup but also leveraged the dry conditions in Wellington, contrasting sharply with the previous wet match in Auckland where the Boks struggled to convert their chances.
The Springboks' performance was not just about physicality but also about smart rugby. Erasmus’s choice to field a younger, agile backline paid off, challenging the traditional expectations of South African rugby. "They were really mature in their approach, and it shows their ability to really understand multiple ways of playing rugby," Parsons added, emphasizing the team's adaptability and tactical acumen.
As for the All Blacks, Parsons hinted at necessary adjustments for future encounters, stressing the importance of dominating the set-piece and collisions from the get-go. The Springboks’ strategy, if replicated, will continue to pose significant challenges for any team, underscoring a pivotal shift in how the giants of southern hemisphere rugby could approach their game henceforth.
The historic victory in Wellington not only signifies a tactical evolution for the Springboks but also sets a new benchmark in the fierce rivalry with the All Blacks, redefining the dynamics of power in international rugby.