All Blacks’ fast start puts Springboks on high alert ahead of Ellis Park Test

The Springboks expect the All Blacks to come out at full pace when the sides meet in the opening Test of the Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park on Saturday.

New Zealand have impressed in their three matches against South African United Rugby Championship franchises, producing particularly clinical performances against the Sharks and the Bulls. That form has strengthened expectations that they will try to seize control from the opening moments in Johannesburg.

Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones says South Africa must match that intensity immediately, with last year’s defeat by the All Blacks at Eden Park serving as a clear warning of what may await them.

“We saw that in Auckland last year where they scored early, and we had to grind our way back,” Jones told the media on Tuesday.

“So, we know we have to start with a huge amount of intensity. It’s almost a given when you play New Zealand that they start fast.”

The All Blacks scored early in that meeting in Auckland, forcing South Africa to fight its way back into the contest. Jones believes a similar opening challenge could face the Springboks at Ellis Park, making their start one of the key areas of concern before kick-off.

The two sides have followed different routes in their preparations for Saturday’s match. New Zealand have used their three fixtures against South African franchises to build momentum, while South Africa’s only match in the build-up was against Argentina.

However, Jones does not believe that difference means either team will arrive better prepared. South Africa also divided its squad, with some players involved against Argentina and another group staying behind in the country to complete specific training work.

“I think both teams are going to feel really prepared going into the game,” said Jones.

“New Zealand have had their franchise games, and we’ve had Argentina for some players, while a group of players remained behind in South Africa to do specific work.

“I don’t think any preparation really replicates the level of intensity you’re going to experience when New Zealand plays South Africa.

“But I think both teams would say going into this game that they feel prepared.”

Jones accepts that neither side’s pre-match programme can fully reproduce the pressure and ferocity of a Test between the Springboks and All Blacks. The significance of the fixture, and the intensity that traditionally accompanies it, will only become clear once the match begins.

The opening Test of the Greatest Rivalry series is scheduled to start at 19:00 on Saturday. By the final whistle, the teams will have discovered which preparation was best suited to the demands of one of rugby’s most closely watched contests.