Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has laid out a strategic plan for New Zealand as they face the daunting task of taking on the South African Springboks during the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series. Facing off against the top-ranked, double world champions on their turf, the second-ranked All Blacks are gearing up for a four-Test battle this August and September under the guidance of new coach Dave Rennie.
On The Rugby Unity podcast, Hansen shared insights into how the All Blacks could disrupt the Springboks' robust physical game. The secret, he suggests, lies in countering expectations.
"I like doing the unexpected against them because that’s what they don’t want."
Hansen elaborated on the Boks' strategy, which involves wearing down opponents with their physical play before speeding up the game to capitalize on their opponents' fatigue. His advice? Change up the game plan to keep the Springboks guessing and frustrate their efforts to dominate.
One critical aspect Hansen emphasized was challenging the Boks in aerial battles and physical clashes. He argues that denying the Springboks the chance to dominate these areas can tilt the scales.
"Any good team, if you take away what they want, automatically they’ve got to start thinking because they don’t expect that. South Africa want physicality. So, as the ball-carrier, you can’t allow them to physically dominate you."
To counter the Springboks' strengths in the air, Hansen suggests a strategic rethink in how the All Blacks approach high-ball situations. Rather than just preparing to defend against South Africa's jumps, New Zealand should also focus on actively competing for the ball.
These tactical shifts are not just about physical plays but also psychological warfare, aiming to induce doubt among the Springboks. By disrupting their rhythm and forcing them to adapt on the fly, Hansen believes the All Blacks can regain their footing in this fierce rivalry.
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively the All Blacks can implement these strategies against a formidable South African team that knows how to leverage its strengths to overpower opponents. The outcome could hinge on New Zealand’s ability to execute Hansen’s unorthodox but potentially game-changing advice.
