All Blacks urged to focus on their own discipline ahead of deciding Test

The All Blacks have been quick to criticise South Africa during the build-up to the series, but their own breakdown work and discipline are coming under increasing scrutiny before Saturday’s deciding Test in Soweto.

The series is level at 1-1 after the opening two matches, with the third Test to be played at Ellis Park on Saturday. New Zealand complained about slow play before the first match and questioned the scrum engagement in the build-up to the second Test in Cape Town.

That leaves the All Blacks’ coaching staff with another week to decide what the Springboks might be blamed for next.

Only they will know what answer they will produce.

It was not head coach Dave Rennie who faced the media on Monday. Instead, attack coach Mike Blair handled the press conference and was happy to discuss a New Zealand attack that has created problems for South Africa’s defence.

The Springboks have conceded nine tries across the first two Tests, suggesting the All Blacks have found areas to exploit with ball in hand.

However, New Zealand’s complaints about slow play and illegal scrums have been met with a call for greater self-examination. Several South African United Rugby Championship teams that faced the All Blacks have expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of their play, including high tackles and tackles made with tucked arms.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has also raised concerns, particularly after Rennie repeatedly referred to what he regarded as illegal South African play.

One area that appears to escape consistent punishment is the way New Zealand players clear out from the side of the ruck rather than entering through the final line of feet.

Luke Jacobson has been a frequent offender in that area and has also been involved in clear-outs with a tucked shoulder. There have been repeated examples of New Zealand players failing to enter legally from behind the last feet.

The officiating team will be expected to monitor that aspect closely on Saturday.

Kolbe proving decisive from the tee

Few observers would have predicted that Cheslin Kolbe would emerge as South Africa’s leading goal-kicker in the Greatest Rivalry series.

Kolbe has kicked for the Springboks before, but he was given the responsibility for the first Test after South Africa’s management judged him a more reliable option than Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who has been inconsistent at times from the tee.

That decision has been rewarded. Kolbe has converted all 12 of his attempts in the series so far.

In the second Test, his accuracy and New Zealand’s lack of discipline helped South Africa build its score through four successful penalties and three conversions.

Eben Etzebeth was another major influence in that match. He disrupted New Zealand at lineout time, stole possession and applied sustained pressure, while also contributing around the field with strong tackling and determined carries.

South Africa will make one change to the back three for the decider after Damian Willemse was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

There had been suggestions that Feinberg-Mngomezulu could move to fullback, with Manie Libbok taking over at fly-half. Erasmus instead chose to retain Feinberg-Mngomezulu at pivot, move Kolbe to fullback and bring Kurt-Lee Arendse back on to the wing.

Kolbe is familiar with the position. He began his career at fullback with the Stormers, has played there in France and Japan, and last occupied the role for the Springboks in 2023.

That makes New Zealand’s kicking game particularly important. If Kolbe receives quality ball in space from the back, he has the pace and attacking skill to cause significant problems.

Erasmus has also left the door open to another change in the front row before kick-off if the weather conditions demand it.

His decision to alter the front-row combination in Cape Town prompted criticism from around the world, especially in New Zealand. But he said the selection would again depend on whether the match is played in dry or wet conditions.

“If it’s clear and dry, that will be the team that’s starting. If it’s rain, we might make the change too,” he told reporters on Monday after naming his team.

The winner in Soweto will claim the series.