ABs expect expansive Boks
Oct 02,2012
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster expects the Springboks to play a more expansive game in Soweto on Saturday compared to their previous clash this year.
New Zealand won that game 21-11 in Dunedin but were fortunate enough to see the South Africans, who had the upper hand in the physical exchanges, miss 20 points from the kicking tee.
Foster said that while he didn't expect a radical change from the Boks - and the kick chase would no doubt still be part of their tactics - the five tries scored against Australia last weekend suggested that Saturday's host were ready to move the ball more with Johan Goosen at fly-half.
"They seem to have the intent to play with more width than they did against us in Dunedin and they may chuck a few different things at us on Saturday," Foster told reporters in Johannesburg.
"We'll need to assess where the threats are and make the adjustments.
"If you want to play expansive rugby, then there is the risk of errors and we've been through that process. It's not something that comes naturally.
"We still expect high balls and a tough physical battle through the forwards. Some things don't change."
Full-back Israel Dagg said that he was impressed with Boks' attacking display against the Wallabies and was looking forward to being tested by the Springboks kickers.
"We pride ourselves under the high ball, but the Springboks have put us under pressure with it in the past and they punish you if you drop it. Plus it goes a lot higher at altitude," added Dagg.
"We'll have to work together as a unit at the back."
Comments (7)
Oct 03, 2012 at 08:48:37
I hope they do, they look good when they do and it's good for Rugby if they continue to play that way. However, if they do, and they make mistakes, the All Blacks are known for jumping on lose ball and punishing teams with tries from all over the pitch from lose ball turnovers.
IF the Boks do run it, they better make sure their passes stick. The All lacks fitness will see them play a high intensity fast paced running game for 80mins. Not 67mins, not 78mins but the full 80 mins. The All Blacks won't feel threatened as running Rugby is what the ABs do, it'll be a case of the master (ABs) watching the apprentice (Boks).
It's going to be a good game so hold on to your beers fellas!! It's good because the ABs haven't got much to lose, it'll almost be hard for them to get up for this one. They might even rest a few key players.
Oct 03, 2012 at 18:45:18
pukefreekiwi you really are an idiot you are just like the english you give us all amunition that you'll later regret
Tosser
Oct 04, 2012 at 09:26:03
blueblood, dont let that tosser pukefreekiwi get under your skin mate. Apparently he is not enen kiwi and i think from SA so ive been told. The prick has no identity and im sure if the Aussies were no.1 in the world, he would jump on that bandwagon too. Hes a twat and just ignore him. he is as popular as Bryce Lawrence on this site.
Oct 04, 2012 at 14:52:32
Hey nuke tell us about your roots on the Flats ...... you Cape Crusader wannabee... All Black
Oct 03, 2012 at 05:32:01
Nah Stu. HM will revert back to his skop en jag bore fest on Saturday and he'll pin his hopes on south Africa's traditional tactic of accumulating points through penalties and drop goals. I doubt the boks will even score a single try through their backs.
I know a lot of saffas have pinned their hopes on Goosen but I've heard it all before. Only last year it was Hollywood Heinrich who was meant to be the architect of the ABs demise. Then it was Franna. Leading into the RWC there was lots of sabre rattling about Butch James who was also meant to win the RWC for the Boks. Then there was all the hype about sacrificial Lambie which never really eventuated. Oh then there was the great (pffft) DuPreez who was also bandied about as the All Black slayer. Lol. That didn't work out so well for the fanboys. Now it's Goosen who is being hyped up. I think we All know how this story ends. More disappointment for the trophy starved fans from the Republic.
Oct 03, 2012 at 18:37:35
Lets see what you think of Goosen and the rest of the boks after Saturday. How good would you guys feel when a team consisting of half under 21 players with little to zero experience beats your mighty (pffft) blacks. You better win on Saturday because sittingin your shoes it will be pretty embarresing! Looking at our youngsters it might be your last chance in the next decade to win a test against the Boks!
Oct 03, 2012 at 18:39:00
By the way at his best du Preez was the best 9 the world has ever seen, go watch some videos of this genius up till 2009 and get an education!