The Springboks recently squeezed past Argentina with a 17-10 victory in Buenos Aires, a match where they were short of several key players and their attack coach, Tony Brown. This game served as an eye-opener about potential vulnerabilities in their setup, particularly noted by Plumtree.
On the New Zealand front, they demonstrated considerable strength, defeating the Stormers 38-21 in Cape Town and obliterating the Sharks 54-0 at Kings Park. With momentum on their side, their next challenge is against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
"When I watched that game, I just felt Argentina got into the Boks physically,"
Plumtree discussed how the physicality and defensive strategy by Argentina created a blueprint that could serve the All Blacks well. Noting the rapid defensive setups and cohesion among the Argentinian players, he indicated that these aspects visibly disrupted the Bok's attacking rhythm.
With Tony Brown's absence being felt, the Boks lost their structural integrity in the attack, turning the match into a more confrontational encounter rather than a strategic one. Plumtree pointed out that this shift did not favour the South African team, as it led to a breakdown in their usual play style.
Highlighting specific tactical opportunities, Plumtree mentioned that New Zealand’s key players like Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett, and Cam Roigard could exploit significant gaps particularly on the fringes of the Bok defence, which was something Argentina could not capitalize on.
"Now, the skill sets of, for me, Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett and Cam Roigard can expose the Bok defence because, if you look at the wingers, they’re defending inside the 15m line."
He emphasized that this spatial opportunity, if utilized correctly by the All Blacks, could be crucial in the upcoming test. The dynamic abilities of these players to bridge the defensive lines through kicking and passing could be key to breaking the Boks' defensive hold.
Despite the potential vulnerabilities, Plumtree acknowledged that the Boks are known for their robust defensive scramble and speed, especially with players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, who could pivot to cover gaps swiftly.
As the series approaches, the tactical interplay between these historic rivals will be a crucial aspect to watch, with each team looking to exploit even the smallest advantage to clinch victory.
