Following the Vodacom Bulls’ 50-19 defeat to New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld, head coach Johan Ackermann stated that the All Blacks will face a much tougher test when they play the Springboks. Ackermann noted that the comfortable lead New Zealand established against his provincial side allowed them to take risks they will not be able to replicate against the national team.
“The All Blacks maybe had the scoreboard luxury tonight to try a few things from deep in their own half that I don’t think they’ll get away with against the Springboks,” Ackermann said.
Dave Rennie’s All Blacks side showed a clear preference for running the ball from deep within their own 22-metre line. Ackermann observed that while this ball-in-hand approach worked against the Bulls, it will be much harder to execute against the structured and high-pressure defensive system of South Africa.
“You know, that’s the way they do play sometimes, but they may find themselves in a bit of trouble with that [approach],” Ackermann warned.
Conditioning and team cohesion will also heavily favour South Africa. The Bulls suffered from a shortened off-season break and lacked match fitness, whereas the Springboks feature a settled nucleus of experienced players who have worked together for years under a highly organised coaching staff.
“So, I think the Springboks will be well-prepared, and time will tell,” Ackermann noted regarding the national team's readiness.
To secure a victory, Ackermann suggested that the Springboks focus on maintaining patience in possession and building through the phases. He also highlighted the importance of contesting the breakdown aggressively to disrupt and slow down the All Blacks' quick ball.
“I think the Springboks will see that there are opportunities if you keep the ball in hand against the All Blacks, and I’m sure that they will look at the game and work on that,” Ackermann added.
The national team will also have access to direct information from the match at Loftus. Ackermann gave Springbok forwards Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw game time off the bench immediately after their return from international duty in Argentina.
Both players made a notable impact in the second half and have returned to the Springbok camp. They bring recent, firsthand experience regarding the All Blacks' physical intensity, defensive habits, and attacking lines ahead of the upcoming Test match at Ellis Park.
