Springboks must stay calm and sharpen up after All Blacks defeat

The Springboks have no reason to panic after their 33-16 defeat by the All Blacks, but they must improve their accuracy if they are to level the Greatest Rivalry Series in Cape Town on Saturday.

South Africa appeared to be in control for long periods of the first Test at Ellis Park, leading 13-12 at half-time, but the All Blacks made better use of their opportunities after the interval.

The Boks began the second half positively, earning several scrum penalties before conceding one themselves. New Zealand then took control when Fabian Holland charged down a Grant Williams box kick and scored, sensing an opening South Africa could not close.

The result was painful for the Springboks, but a four-Test series is a marathon rather than a sprint. The defeat highlighted missed chances rather than a fundamental collapse, although South Africa will need a significant improvement against an All Blacks side now full of confidence.

Accuracy, not arrogance

Some reaction to the match focused on suggestions that the Springboks had been arrogant, including criticism from former South Africa lock Schalk Burger Snr.

“Arrogance cost the Springboks this test match against the All Blacks! Well played AB’s,” Burger wrote on X after the game.

However, the performance looked more inaccurate than arrogant. South Africa may regret not taking more shots at goal from the scrum penalties, while another option would have been to set up a lineout and attempt to maul New Zealand.

The All Blacks had defended the South African maul effectively, though, and there was little to suggest the Springboks had expected to overwhelm their opponents. New Zealand are rebuilding under Dave Rennie, and South Africa would have been well aware of the challenge posed by the four-time world champions.

Their execution was inaccurate, but the approach was not arrogant.

Debate over the haka

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus asked the Ellis Park crowd to remain silent during the haka, and the supporters respected that request.

That decision remains open to debate. The haka is a powerful war cry that helps lift the All Blacks before a Test, but that does not necessarily mean opposing supporters should have no opportunity to respond.

That response need not involve booing or singing ‘ole, ole, ole’. A rendition of Shosholoza could provide an alternative while still recognising the haka as one of the most distinctive elements of international rugby.

The haka is an important part of what the All Blacks bring to Test rugby, but it is not a sacred ritual for every other nation. Supporters have paid for their tickets, which are expensive, and should arguably be allowed a respectful right of reply.

Pollard returns at fly-half

Erasmus returned to a more traditional selection approach this week by naming his team on Monday.

There has been no wholesale change, but South Africa have made two alterations in the halfback positions. Handre Pollard replaces Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu moving to the bench.

Cobus Reinach comes in at scrum-half for Grant Williams, who has a niggle. Morne van den Berg will provide cover at scrum-half among the replacements.

Rain is forecast in Cape Town on Saturday, although Pollard would probably have been selected even if the weather were expected to be dry.

The selections indicate that the Springboks intend to squeeze New Zealand, while improving the decision-making and finishing that let them down at Ellis Park. If they can do that, there is no reason they cannot recover and draw the series at 1-1.

The bench also provides greater depth. Deon Fourie is bracketed as hooker but can also play flank, while Cameron Hanekom offers physicality. Feinberg-Mngomezulu can cover fly-half, centre and full-back.

That versatility could prove important after Kurt-Lee Arendse’s early injury disrupted the South African backline in the opening Test. Thomas du Toit is also among the replacements, while the All Blacks can expect little relief when Wilco Louw comes on.

The first Test showed New Zealand taking their key chances and South Africa failing to convert enough of theirs. Saturday will show whether the Springboks can respond.

Craig Taylor is the Digital Content Editor of KickOff Rugby.