How Springboks deal with 'aggressive defences'

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks have an effective way to deal with really “aggressive defences”.

It’s called the kick-pass and its value was there for all to see in last Sunday’s 32-15 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Makazole Mampimp scored two tries in the first half and both came from kick-passes – one from Handre Pollard and the other from Willie le Roux.

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown against England at Twickenham Stadium, Springbok attack coach Tony Brown explained why it is such a key part of their game plan.

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🤩 Early try for Makazole Mapimpi!

🇿🇦 The @Springboks have the perfect start in this one!#SCOvRSA | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/Gf6PkaKVgG

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 10, 2024

“I think the game is always moving fast. We didn’t even have defence coaches when I was playing,” said Brown.

“Because the defences are getting so good and aggressive, the majority of defences leave a wide space, which allows the kick-pass to be really effective.

“We have a couple of guys in our team who are very good at it.

“We know [England flyhalf] Marcus Smith is outstanding with his kick-pass

“I think every coach sees that space and every coach encourages their team to be able to do it – even the No.15s with Willie [le Roux] and [Aphelele] do it.

“It is 100 percent a massive weapon now and it is just the way the game has evolved around defence coaches being so aggressive. You’ve got to find ways to attack differently.”

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👏 Mapimpi scores again!

🇿🇦 Incredible skills from the @Springboks, the kick-pass was perfection!#SCOvRSA | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/lWftNBkYTO

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World Rugby’s directive to ban kick-chase blocking may also help the Boks in certain areas of the aerial battle.

However, Brown believes consistency around how referees deal with it still needs to be achieved.

“It’s been two weeks where they’ve used the new rule and I think everyone is adapting to it or trying to adapt to it,” said Brown.

“The guys that are finding it the hardest are referees and the touch judges around consistency.

“Hopefully, we get a consistent idea of how they are going to rule it, so we can adapt as coaches and players.

“I think it’s going to make the game a lot more dynamic in that area.

“Teams can win the ball in the air or win it once it hits the ground. It becomes a dynamic attack for sure.”

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