As the Rugby Championship looms, former All Blacks coach Mike Cron has thrown down the gauntlet, urging Scott Robertson's team to assert dominance over the Springboks, who have drawn criticism for their recent tactical experiments. With the top two rugby nations set to collide in a high-stakes double-header this September, the stage is set for an epic showdown.
New Zealand and South Africa have both ramped up their game, coming off flawless victories in the July internationals. The All Blacks completed a clean sweep against France, while the Springboks managed to outplay Italy and Georgia. However, it's the South African team's latest strategies under coach Rassie Erasmus that have stirred the pot, dividing opinions globally between acclaim for innovation and accusations of skirting the rules.
"That’s the ultimate, isn’t it? You still think back to the World Cup final, you know, I know, and you see some bloody things going on at the moment that are maybe not quite in the spirit of the game, you think it would be nice if the ABs get up and just give it to them,"
Cron expressed in a discussion with Martin Devlin on DSPN.Nigel Owens, the former Test referee, also commented on the controversies surrounding the Springboks' tactics, indicating issues with Erasmus' approach. While New Zealand is gearing up to elevate their performance in the upcoming championship starting mid-August, Cron is confident in their preparation, citing the recent tests against France as crucial to their readiness.
"It’s a difficult period for them," Cron noted, acknowledging the dual focus on immediate games and the future World Cup selection. "There’s a very big gap between Super Rugby and the top international rugby. It’s bigger now than it’s ever been."
Despite facing a French squad without its star players, Cron believes that the All Blacks will benefit immensely from the experience. "Although we had a weakened French team, it’s still international rugby, so they’ll be far better for it," he explained, emphasizing the challenge of bridging the gap between club and international levels.
The anticipation for the Rugby Championship is mounting, with both teams sharpening their arsenals. As tensions flare over tactical disputes, the upcoming encounters promise not just a test of strength and skill but also a battle of wits and strategy.