Mallett pointed out that the South African team's strength was apparent across all positions, from the forwards to the backs. This physical command was crucial in their strategic dominance.
"A 25m maul try with Malcolm Marx delivering the coup de grâce and very fittingly banging his hand on the grass because he was so frustrated with his missed opportunity from the first Test,"
Mallett highlighted on the Talking Boks podcast. The Springboks' competencies were also showcased during a penalty try from a scrum under the All Blacks' posts, reflecting their sheer power in set-pieces.
The former Bok coach didn’t just praise the forwards; he was equally impressed by the backline. Centers Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende were pivotal, exerting physical superiority that had direct impacts on the scoreboard.
"Our two centres in their own way physically dominating [Leroy] Carter, with Jesse Kriel bouncing him off and just running straight past him. And then Damian, whose hand-off gave him the time and space to draw and make a beautiful two on one for [Kurt-Lee] Arendse’s try. So in all of our tries, we had that element of physical dominance,"
Mallett explained, underscoring the crucial role of the Boks' midfield duo.
Further commendation was given to referee Nika Amashukeli, who Mallett believed played a fair hand in the high-stakes game. His effective officiating allowed a fair contest, highlighting the players' skills and strategies rather than becoming a focal point of contention.
"It was a very even game. It wasn’t a game where you could say the ref had a big influence on it," Mallett observed. He praised the referee for his balanced approach, "I thought the ref was really good – and not just for us. I think he gave both teams benefit and he was strong. Good officiating made for a great competition between two outstanding teams."
With the series poised for a thrilling conclusion in the United States, the Springboks' combination of strategic brilliance and brute strength has set a high bar. The ultimate test awaits to see if their physical prowess will again overpower the swift tactics of the All Blacks in this epic rugby rivalry.
