Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read has shed light on why the Springboks currently outshine New Zealand on the rugby pitch. With the Springboks reigning supreme in world rankings after consecutive World Cup victories under Rassie Erasmus, and the All Blacks navigating a transitional phase with Dave Rennie at the helm post-Scott Robertson, the shifting dynamics are palpable.
During his appearance on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, Read delved into the mental fortitude that once characterized his All Black squads, a trait he acknowledges the Springboks have successfully adopted. Reflecting on a memorable rally against Ireland in Dublin back in 2013, Read reminisced,
“We were a team that had built this absolute belief in each other and the ability to come back from whatever situation was thrown at us at that moment.”
He highlighted the influence of leadership in such high-pressure moments, noting, "And you got Skipper [Richie McCaw] just telling you just to relax and calm down. Even though the scoreboard was telling us something different, it was like, ‘Nah, go to our process’.”Read opined that such deep-seated confidence is not easily fabricated but cultivated over time. When probed about the current All Blacks’ capacity to extricate themselves from dire straits, his response was stark: “No, they don’t,” asserting that they lack the requisite experiences and historical proof of overcoming adversity.
Turning the spotlight on the Springboks, Read declared them as the new standard bearers. “The South Africans have it. They definitely have it,” he affirmed. “Because they’ve built this experience of games that are hard and have come through and won.” He further elaborated on the essence of South Africa’s rugby prowess, not just in staying composed under pressure but in a broader understanding of their gameplay identity.
“They’ve got an ability to know exactly who they are and exactly how they play.”
This depth of self-awareness and strategic clarity, according to Read, is something the current All Blacks squad is still striving to master. The evolving saga between these formidable rivals continues to captivate and evolve, underscoring the relentless spirit of international rugby.