Mallett calls for firm officiating as Springboks and All Blacks prepare for Ellis Park Test

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says the officials must be firm and consistent when South Africa host New Zealand in the opening Test of the Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The build-up to the match has been marked by a war of words, with both camps drawing attention to areas they believe could influence the contest.

New Zealand have called for close scrutiny of any attempts by the Springboks to slow the game down. That would suit the All Blacks’ preferred high-tempo approach under coach Dave Rennie.

South Africa, meanwhile, have focused on New Zealand’s conduct at the breakdown and their defence of the maul. The Springboks believe those areas will require particular attention from the match officials.

Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett said both teams needed to be aware of the issues while also warning that he hoped the series would not be dominated by disciplinary decisions.

“I hope we remember it for the rugby and not for the refereeing decisions and the yellow cards and red cards,” said Mallett.

England’s Matthew Carley will referee Saturday’s first Test, with player safety expected to be a major focus for the officials throughout the series.

Mallett said referees would be expected to enforce the laws around contact in tackles, cleanouts and lineouts.

“Safety is a big issue, and I’m sure the referees are going to be really clear about that.

“You’re not allowed to tuck your shoulder in a cleanout or a tackle, and you’re also not allowed to play a guy in the air in the lineout, for example, whether he’s the jumper or the supporting player.”

The former Springbok coach believes New Zealand have previously been willing to use the margins of the law to prevent South Africa from scoring, particularly when defending close to their own try line.

“New Zealand have got very good at doing that…these dark arts,” Mallett said.

“You get a lineout 5m from their line, and they are quite prepared to give a penalty away rather than give a try away.

“I hope referees will be nice and firm and clear.”

While much of the discussion has centred on New Zealand’s tactics, Mallett also said South Africa must ensure they meet the requirements of World Rugby’s 30-second rule when preparing for set-pieces.

The law requires teams to get their set-piece organised promptly, and Mallett wants the Springboks to avoid lengthy discussions before lineouts and scrums.

“I’d like them to be clear with us too about, if we get together and we’re having a big discussion about lineouts, to say, ‘Let’s get in there, let’s get the ball in within 30 seconds,”’ Mallett said.

“That’s what the law says. The scrum should be set within 30 seconds. Let’s do that.”

The first Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks will begin at 17:10 on Saturday at Ellis Park. Both teams are due to announce their line-ups later on Thursday.