All Blacks’ new ‘direct’ game plan will test Springboks – Nick Mallett warns

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says New Zealand have found their best form under Dave Rennie and will pose a “tough challenge” to South Africa when the All Blacks arrive for the upcoming Greatest Rivalry Series.

Speaking after New Zealand’s 40-21 Nations Championship win over Ireland on Saturday, Mallett said the All Blacks have added a powerful, straight-running edge to their traditionally high-tempo, ball-in-hand style.

“Their game against Ireland was excellent. That was the best they’ve played under Rennie,” Mallett told KickOff Rugby.

He believes the tactical shift could have major implications for the Springboks as the world champions prepare for a demanding sequence that includes Argentina before the New Zealand tour.

All Blacks blend pace with power

Since Dave Rennie took charge, New Zealand have continued to play at speed, with frequent carries, rapid offloads and comparatively little reliance on kicking.

Mallett, however, said the performance against Ireland showed a more forceful and structured approach, with both forwards and backs driving over the gain line.

“Very direct, not only their forwards, who are good ball carriers, but also Quinn Tupaea at centre, and Jordie Barrett as well. Those are two big centres who carried well and took the ball hard to the line.

“Guys like Tupou Vaa’i and Patrick Tuipulotu, and obviously the loose trio as well, all carried strongly.”

He highlighted that this directness is a notable development from the All Blacks side seen under former coach Scott Robertson, whose teams were famed for attacking width and continuity but sometimes criticised for lateral play.

Tactical evolution under Rennie

Mallett believes the Ireland match underlined how New Zealand have diversified their attacking options, marrying their natural flair with a more methodical, territory-focused structure.

“They look much more direct than they were under Robertson.

“They seem to be making sure they go downfield first. They’ve still got their offloading game if you allow them to play that way.

“Their balance between carrying and kicking is good. They’ll move the ball around, and then, once they feel they’ve isolated one defender at the back, they’ll put up a contestable kick.

“So it’s still very much a ball-in-hand game, but they’re running hard at the line rather than playing laterally.”

That blend of power running, varied kicking and traditional All Blacks handling could, he suggested, make Rennie’s side particularly dangerous against a Springbok defence that thrives on line speed and collisions.

‘Tough challenge’ for world champions

South Africa, led on the field by captain Siya Kolisi, are building towards back-to-back blockbuster clashes against New Zealand in the Greatest Rivalry Series – a tour that remains one of the showpiece events in international rugby.

With the Springboks also managing squad depth and selection plans, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has already mapped out a route that includes Argentina before the All Blacks’ visit, insisting omitted players may still feature against New Zealand.

From Mallett’s perspective, the signs from the All Blacks’ Nations Championship campaign suggest the world champions will face a formidable opponent.

“I think they’re going to be a tough challenge for us,” he said.

“They’ve definitely stepped up under Rennie.”

The coming series is likely to pit the Springboks’ renowned set-piece power, kicking pressure and defensive organisation against a New Zealand side that appears to have rediscovered its balance between innovation and physical dominance – setting the stage for another compelling chapter in rugby’s oldest major rivalry.