Plumtree says All Blacks can hurt Springboks again after 33-16

Former Sharks coach John Plumtree believes the Springboks will face severe pressure when they meet New Zealand in the second Test on Saturday, after the All Blacks won 33-16 at Ellis Park. The result gave New Zealand a 1-0 advantage in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series and left South Africa needing victory in Cape Town.

Plumtree expects Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff to address the weaknesses exposed in Johannesburg. He believes South Africa will seek to defend with greater width and improve the execution of their skills before the match at Cape Town Stadium.

The former coach also identified the Springboks’ set-piece work as an area they can continue to rely on. He expects the team to put extra effort into the aspects of their performance that were less effective in the opening Test, while maintaining the strength of their scrum and maul.

Plumtree considers New Zealand to be in a strong position after their win. He described the All Blacks as united and confident, with captain Ardie Savea providing effective leadership and coach Dave Rennie making a strong early impact in the role. Tana Umaga’s involvement and his connection with Savea were also highlighted as positive influences within the team.

New Zealand’s attacking structure has added to Plumtree’s concerns for South Africa. He rated halfback Cam Roigard, fly-half Ruben Love and centre Jordie Barrett among the leading combinations in world rugby, comparing their positions favourably with France’s equivalent players.

The seven-day gap between the Tests could work in New Zealand’s favour, in Plumtree’s view. The All Blacks have the chance to take a decisive step towards a series victory with another win, while South Africa must respond immediately to avoid falling 2-0 behind in the rivalry series.