Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is keeping his cards close to his chest.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus kept his cards close to his chest when quizzed about the style of play the Springboks may adopt in their upcoming Test series against the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Much has been made of how the New Zealanders went about their business in the opening leg of the Nations Championship against France, Italy and Ireland. The All Blacks played an up-tempo, ball-in-hand game, leading the tournament stats in carries and metres made.
The Springboks, by contrast, kicked more than any other team in their victories over England, Scotland and Wales, relying heavily on contestable kicks as a lethal attacking weapon. Yet, despite the narrative surrounding their respective styles, it was South Africa who emerged from the opening block having scored more points and more tries than their arch-rivals.
While New Zealand have selected several formidable ball-carriers for their trip to South Africa, they are unlikely to stray from their high-tempo philosophy.
