The issue at hand, according to Hansen, was the All Blacks’ inability to counter the Springboks’ set-piece strength. With the New Zealand squad constantly on the back foot, their usual flair in open play couldn't salvage the day.
"They had to [chase the game], because they got too far behind on the scoreboard, and you’re not going to beat the Boks until you can get parity at scrum time and you can get decent ball in the lineout,"
Hansen commented on the messy scenarios faced at lineout time, elaborating on the pressure it puts on the team.
Moving forward, Hansen remains optimistic about the All Blacks' prospects as they look ahead to next year’s World Cup. He believes with the right adjustments, they’ll be formidable contenders once again.
On the other side, McKenzie highlighted the Kiwis' commendable running game, despite the setback posed by Ardie Savea’s late injury affecting their structure.
"The points difference and the scrum … was very good for them [the Boks], and their scramble defence. They got up in their [All Blacks’] faces,"
Savea's absence was felt beyond just his gameplay, impacting the team's leadership and composure towards the intense finale of the match.
In retrospect, Hansen sees a silver lining in these high-pressure moments which he believes serve as critical learning opportunities for the team. His advice zeroes in on maintaining focus on the immediate game rather than the scoreboard.
The finale in Baltimore isn’t just another game; it’s a chance for the All Blacks to redeem themselves and level the playing field. As the rugby world watches, it will be a test of skill, strategy, and adaptation. The question remains: can the All Blacks fine-tune their game in time to turn the tide in this epic rivalry?
Both coaches agree that while New Zealand’s attacking prowess is undoubted, mastering the set-pieces against a team like the Springboks is essential for clinching those crucial wins. It’s not just about matching the Springboks' pressure, but outsmarting it.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The lessons learned in Johannesburg will undoubtedly shape the strategies in Baltimore, setting the stage for a showdown that could redefine the capabilities of the All Blacks in the face of adversity.
