Hansen sees All Blacks advantage over Springboks in Rivalry opener

Sir Steve Hansen believes New Zealand have a significant preparation advantage over South Africa before Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener at Ellis Park. The All Blacks have played three United Rugby Championship sides on tour, while the Springboks have had only one Test since their narrow win over Argentina two weeks ago.

Hansen, who coached New Zealand to the 2015 Rugby World Cup title, said those matches allowed Dave Rennie’s team to test combinations and adjust to the conditions in South Africa. He believes the All Blacks used the fixtures to rehearse their intended Test approach against strong opposition.

South Africa, by contrast, have had limited time together. Several players returned from injury during the Argentina match, including captain Siya Kolisi, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Hansen considers the lack of recent game time a potential weakness for the hosts, although he stopped short of making New Zealand favourites.

Home advantage and South Africa’s status as the world’s top-ranked team remain major factors, in Hansen’s view. He expects the Springboks to bring a physical approach, control the tempo early and look to increase the pace when their replacement forwards enter the match.

New Zealand also have selection concerns. Damian McKenzie’s availability remains uncertain, while scrum-half Cortez Ratima is dealing with an injury and Noah Hotham has been called into the squad. Will Jordan and Cam Roigard are available, and Beauden Barrett is considered capable of covering the roles McKenzie might otherwise fill.

The tour has provided useful playing time for several All Blacks. Hooker Codie Taylor made his first appearance of the trip against the Bulls at Loftus and came through the match well, while Kyle Preston, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby and Tyrel Lomax were also identified as players who have strengthened New Zealand’s options. Hansen also sees several credible choices for the lock positions, with Fabian Holland among the leading candidates.