All Blacks scrum coach expects hard Springboks test in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry

The All Blacks will take an improved scrum into Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener, with forwards coach Jason Ryan warning that South Africa will provide the hardest examination of their set piece. New Zealand had faced pressure in its first two tour matches against the Stormers and Sharks.

The scrum showed greater resilience in the victory over the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria. Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax won penalties during the first half, while Siale Lauaki and George Bower helped sustain the pressure after entering from the bench.

Ryan believes that performance has given the pack a stronger foundation before facing the Springboks. The All Blacks have devoted the past two weeks to improving their speed into contact, their preparation for aerial contests and their maul defence, while also working to create a reliable scrum platform.

New Zealand’s coaches recognise South Africa as the leading scrum side in world rugby, but Ryan also wants his forwards to approach the contest with confidence. The challenge will be to match the Springboks’ strength while maintaining the progress made in Pretoria.

The breakdown is another area identified for improvement. New Zealand’s defensive work there was sharper against the Bulls, with Anton Segner and Peter Lakai each making a turnover by choosing when to contest and when to remain on their feet.

Ryan also saw shortcomings in the All Blacks’ attacking breakdown work, particularly around the first clean-out after the ball was carried. That detail remains part of the preparation as New Zealand turns from its tour victory over the Bulls to the Springboks test.