Paulse backs Jacques Nienaber return to fix Springbok defence

South Africa have conceded nine tries and scored four across their two Tests against New Zealand. Breyton Paulse believes Rassie Erasmus could make a major coaching change by bringing Jacques Nienaber back before the 2027 World Cup to address the Springboks’ defensive problems.

Nienaber was South Africa’s head coach when they retained the World Cup in 2023. He has since worked as Leinster’s senior coach, helping the Irish club secure two Vodacom URC titles and reach two Investec Champions Cup finals.

Paulse’s view comes before Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry match in Johannesburg, with New Zealand having found repeated openings in South Africa’s defensive structure. He has identified the midfield as the main area of concern, where Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel have struggled with quick decisions and left the outside defenders exposed.

That uncertainty has placed pressure on Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ethan Hooker. Paulse considers Hooker a powerful defender who is still adapting to the Springboks’ system, while Kolbe’s decision-making and kicking have helped South Africa escape difficult situations. He does not believe Kolbe can continue covering every weakness on his own.

New Zealand’s back three of Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan and Leroy Carter are expected to test the wide channels again. Paulse believes they will look for opportunities against the smaller Kolbe and Arendse in the air, even though running remains central to the All Blacks’ approach.

The former South Africa winger also felt New Zealand could have scored more heavily in Cape Town last week after repeatedly breaking through the defensive line. His concern is that a single pass has been enough to beat several defenders, a serious problem for a team whose defence has traditionally been one of its strongest features.

Paulse therefore sees Nienaber’s possible return as a bold solution rather than a routine change. The former coach’s work with Leinster has kept him at the highest level, while the Springboks now face an All Blacks side that has identified and repeatedly attacked their defensive shortcomings.