Johannesburg - The Springboks are aiming to become the first team to beat the All Blacks since 2012 when the teams square up at Ellis Park on Saturday.
South Africa may be playing at home, on the Highveld, and riding a wave of confidence after last week’s win against Australia. But there’s a reason New Zealand are reigning world and Rugby Championship champions - they know how to beat anybody, anywhere.
Still, if the Boks are to emerge victorious, here are five key factors.
1. Duane Vermeulen
It’s probably not fair to single out one player when there are 14 others on the field who contribute greatly to the cause, but in this instance one can’t help but feel the Bok No 8 is crucial if they’re to be in with a shout of winning on Saturday.
Vermeulen has been outstanding this season, as ball-carrier, tackler, lineout option, kick-off winner and yes, as ball-stealer. A rib injury may see him miss out, with a decision to be made on Friday or even as late as on Saturday. If he sits out, the Boks will push a new-look loose-trio into the field - not ideal against one of the best back rows around.
2. Tactical kicking
Coach Heyneke Meyer has spoken openly about the quality of the New Zealand kicking game; their ability to find space and territory and punish any mistakes made by the opposition.
He feels his team still lacks big-time in this area and said a poor kicking display could prove to be the Boks’ downfall at Ellis Park.
Indeed, if Francois Hougaard, Handre Pollard and Willie le Roux aren’t on the mark when they do put foot to ball it’ll allow the All Blacks the space and time to counter-attack - the food they thrive on.
Simply put, the Boks are going to have to be accurate every time they kick the ball.
3. Defence
What really sets the All Blacks apart is their ability to see space and attack it, no matter where they are on the field. They’re deadly with ball in hand when the game opens up or when defences are disorganised.
They know how to punish mistakes and they’re prepared to back themselves to have a go. In outside backs Julian Savea, Ben Smith and Israel Dagg New Zealand have devastating runners, powerful, but also elusive, meaning the Boks will have to halt these men in their tracks or better yet, not even give them a chance to get going.
That means no slipped tackles, period!
4. Mental fortitude
If the Boks had shown a little more composure and patience in the dying minutes in Wellington they may very well have won that game. They needed cool, calm heads and they needed a plan that everyone on the field was aware of. It didn’t happen when they were camped on the All Blacks tryline, and they lost. To win against the All Blacks you need to be ruthless and aggressive, but you also need to be patient and disciplined and the Boks will require plenty of this on Saturday. Also, as Victor Matfield pointed out, much depends on winning the few big moments that crop up in the game.
5. Scrums
The Boks battled somewhat in the scrums earlier this season, but they’ve turned the corner and now look to be a formidable scrumming unit once again. They certainly shaded the scrums in Wellington, with the powerful bench-sitters adding to their dominance, and they’ll need to be just as powerful at Ellis Park.
There are not too many scrums in the game any more, but those that do take place are always hugely significant. It’s a part of the game that can win you penalties, or even penalty tries, but a strong, solid scrum also puts the team on the front foot.
Cape Argus