The Springboks realise the importance of delivering strong set pieces as they face the massive task of taking on the All Blacks in back-to-back Castle Lager Rugby Championship Tests in the next two weekends. Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids underlined this message when he fronted the media in Nelspruit on Monday, with Test week kicking into gear in the Lowveld.
The teams will cross paths at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday and at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg next weekend, and with the All Blacks having appointed Jason Ryan as their new forwards' coach, Davids expected a big test up front.
“We have a lot of respect for the way New Zealand approaches the set pieces, and their coach has made it clear that the scrums and mauls are going to be important for them, so we also need to make sure that improve in those areas,” said Davids.
“Matches between New Zealand and South Africa are always among the most hotly contested games, so we have to ensure that we perform to the best of our ability.”
Davids said after a thorough review of their performances against Wales in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, the coaches identified a few areas of their game they would like to improve on going into the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
“The basics of the game stay the same, so we need to be more effective all around,” said Davids.
“We want to improve in the execution of our set pieces, and we know that there are not many opportunities to score points at Test level, so we have to make sure we use our chances well.”
Davids added: “We know what we have to work as we look forward to the bigger picture.
“We have two Tests against New Zealand at the start of this competition, and we are aware of the challenge ahead. We know we need to perform better in this series, and we are determined to improve.”
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