Rassie Erasmus has identified an unusual tactical adjustment in the All Blacks’ game that could test the Springboks when the two rivals meet in Johannesburg.
With the opening match of the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series approaching, Erasmus and his coaching staff have been studying New Zealand’s latest approach closely.
The encounter at Ellis Park comes after a tense build-up involving public exchanges between the two camps, injury concerns and plenty of debate about how each side intends to approach the contest.
All Blacks introduce a different approach to aerial contests
One of the tactics that caught Erasmus’ attention involves how New Zealand uses its outside backs when defending against kicks.
Instead of relying on a winger or fullback moving forward to compete for an aerial ball, Erasmus explained that one of the All Blacks’ wingers has been running backwards before attempting to secure the kick.
The Springbok coach described the idea as unusual but praised the thinking behind it.
He believes the tactic has been effective and could present South Africa with a fresh challenge during the Test.
The Boks, however, are not approaching it without preparation.
Erasmus said his team has already been considering possible ways of exploiting weaknesses in the strategy.
Erasmus expects New Zealand to keep experimenting
The aerial tactic is unlikely to be the only surprise New Zealand has prepared.
Erasmus expects the All Blacks to look for creative opportunities throughout the match, particularly when they have possession and reach attacking line-outs.
That means South Africa will need to remain disciplined rather than relying solely on its traditional defensive structures.
The Springbok coaching staff will have to balance preparation for known patterns with the possibility that New Zealand introduces something unexpected once the game begins.
Tight five could decide the battle
While the new kicking tactic has attracted attention, Erasmus also highlighted the threat posed by New Zealand’s forwards.
The All Blacks’ second-row combination of Josh Lord and Fabian Holland presents a significant challenge, particularly when combined with their hookers and line-out systems.
Erasmus suggested that the contest will be determined not simply by the height of individual players but by how effectively each team’s forwards operate together.
South Africa has plenty of height of its own, with players such as Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje providing considerable options in the air.
Line-outs expected to be fiercely contested
The Springboks are also preparing for New Zealand’s ability to create attacking opportunities from set pieces.
Erasmus pointed to the All Blacks’ use of different movements and plays around the line-out, as well as their reliance on a powerful maul.
New Zealand also has considerable experience at hooker, with Codie Taylor starting and Asafo Aumua providing a physical option from the bench.
Taylor’s accuracy at line-out time is another factor South Africa will have to account for.
Erasmus expects the battle to be extremely close, with both sides possessing the personnel and tactical knowledge to disrupt the other’s plans.
Recent history offers little comfort to Erasmus
South Africa enters the contest with an impressive recent record against New Zealand.
The Springboks have won five of their last six meetings dating back to August 2023, with the All Blacks’ most recent victory coming in the Rugby Championship at Eden Park last year.
That record could give South Africa confidence, but Erasmus is refusing to allow his players to become overly comfortable because of previous results.
For the Springbok coach, historical statistics carry little weight once the whistle blows.
Rassie wants his team focused on Saturday
Erasmus’ message is simple: what happened in previous encounters cannot win the next one.
The Springboks must therefore concentrate on the specific challenges presented by the current All Blacks squad rather than assuming past victories give them an advantage.
That approach could be particularly important given New Zealand’s willingness to introduce new tactical ideas.
The first Test is expected to be a battle of physicality, aerial contests, set-piece execution and tactical adaptability.
The opening Test promises another tactical showdown
With both squads now confirmed, the focus has shifted from pre-match speculation to execution.
South Africa will have to deal with New Zealand’s inventive approach while attempting to impose its own physical game.
The unusual kicking tactic identified by Erasmus may only be one small part of the All Blacks’ strategy, but it demonstrates the level of detail both coaching teams are examining before the showdown.
For the Springboks, the challenge will be to adapt quickly, dominate the key set pieces and avoid allowing New Zealand’s innovations to dictate the contest.
At Ellis Park, recent history will count for nothing. As Erasmus made clear, the next result is the one that matters.
