All Blacks wary of Springboks weapons before Ellis Park battle

New Zealand must prepare for more than South Africa’s powerful set-piece game when the teams meet at Ellis Park, All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga has warned. The Springboks are back-to-back world champions and will test New Zealand with their physical forwards as well as their expanding attacking options.

Umaga said South Africa’s threat begins with the size of their pack and the pressure created by repeated waves of big forwards. However, he also highlighted the skill of their backs, who can exploit space outside or behind a defence that becomes too focused on stopping the forward assault.

Since Rassie Erasmus became South Africa’s coach in 2018, the team has built a strong reputation around set pieces while adding greater variation to its attack. Their development has included changes to the coaching staff, with Tony Brown brought in to help shape their attacking structures.

That combination means New Zealand cannot concentrate on one area of the Springboks’ game, Umaga said. The All Blacks will need to protect possession, secure clean ball and build forward momentum while also preventing South Africa from reaching the areas where their strengths are most effective.

New Zealand arrive with a perfect record since Dave Rennie replaced Scott Robertson as head coach. Their victories have included Test wins over France, Italy and Ireland, but the Ellis Park assignment represents a different challenge because it comes against South Africa on home ground.

The tour has also taken many All Blacks players to South Africa for the first time since the country’s teams stopped competing in Super Rugby. Umaga said the lack of regular travel had removed some of the camaraderie once built through visits involving the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers.

Despite a demanding schedule that has limited time for sightseeing, he said the players were excited by the experience of visiting South Africa. He also praised the welcome from local supporters and communities, while noting that the tour had shown the intensity of South African rugby support.