The All Blacks' upcoming clash against the Springboks in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series is a highly anticipated event, and it's not just because of the historical significance of the match. The New Zealanders are facing a formidable challenge, and their performance against the Stormers in their opening tour match in South Africa has raised some concerns. Victor Matfield, a former All Blacks lock, believes that the Stormers provided a glimpse into what the Springboks will bring, and it's not a pretty picture for the All Blacks.
Matfield highlights the Stormers' strong scrummaging pack and their ability to deploy a kick-heavy game plan, which is similar to the Springboks' strategy. The former lock also notes that the Stormers' defense, characterized by quick linespeed and a rush defense, is not too dissimilar from what the Springboks employ under defense coach Jerry Flannery. This means that the All Blacks players will need to adjust to a new style of play, as they haven't faced South African clubs in some time due to their exit from Super Rugby.
Matfield suggests that playing these games before arriving in South Africa could be beneficial for the All Blacks. He explains that the pressure of facing a rush defense will help them prepare for the Springboks' unique style. The former player also recalls his own experience against the Welsh defense under Shaun Edwards, which he describes as a 'face-off' that is difficult to plan for. Matfield believes that the All Blacks will need to get a rhythm against the Stormers' defense to handle the pressure effectively.
One of the key areas of concern for the All Blacks is the scrum. Matfield acknowledges that the Stormers managed to boss the set-piece despite being without several key front-rowers. This is a major issue for Dave Rennie's side, as giving away too many scrum penalties could be detrimental in Test matches. Former All Blacks winger Sir John Kirwan agrees, emphasizing the importance of hanging in there for a bit longer during scrums.
In conclusion, the All Blacks are facing a challenging task against the Springboks, and their performance against the Stormers has raised some red flags. Matfield's analysis highlights the need for the All Blacks to adjust to a new style of play and address their scrum issues. The upcoming match will be a true test of their resilience and adaptability, and it will be fascinating to see how they respond to the pressure.
