South Africa v New Zealand: Handre Pollard injury will not disrupt Springboks plans

Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says South Africa’s preparations for the second Test against the All Blacks have not been disrupted by Handre Pollard’s late withdrawal, despite the hosts needing a response after losing the opening match of the Greatest Rivalry series.

South Africa face New Zealand at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday in the second of four Tests between the sides, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10.

The Springboks were beaten 33-16 by the All Blacks at Ellis Park in the first match. Another defeat would leave South Africa with no chance of winning the series, meaning they must quickly reverse the momentum in Cape Town.

Pollard was ruled out on Friday after suffering a calf injury, forcing a late change to the South Africa team. Stick, however, said the setback had not affected the squad’s overall approach during the week.

“It’s not a secret that we were disappointed with the result last week, especially given the opportunities we had in the game,” said Stick.

South Africa had periods of control in Johannesburg but were unable to turn those opportunities into points. Stick believes that failure to capitalise was a decisive factor in the result and one the team has examined closely before the second Test.

“There were moments where we were in control, but if you don’t take your opportunities and convert them against the All Blacks, you will be punished, and that was one of the biggest lessons.”

Despite the late alteration to the side, Stick said the Springboks had maintained their usual level of preparation and had worked in detail on the areas that let them down in the opener.

“We prepared very well this week and analysed in depth where and how we missed those opportunities, and although there were some key focus points, it was a Test week like any other for us,” Stick told reporters on Friday.

He also praised the way the coaching staff and players responded to the challenges of the week, saying they had concentrated on finding solutions rather than allowing the injury news or the opening defeat to affect their focus.

“As coaches, we had to lead by example and come up with solutions, and the way we did that together with the players was one of the main positives about the week, so we are in a good space.”

The contest in Cape Town will be the second meeting in a four-match series between the long-standing rivals. South Africa must win to remain in contention, while the All Blacks will look to build on their commanding performance at Ellis Park.

The match is expected to provide another compelling encounter between the Springboks and New Zealand, with the teams due to begin at 17:10 at Cape Town Stadium.