Ackermann identifies All Black weakness ahead of Springboks test
Experienced Bulls coach Johan Ackermann believes the Springboks will present the All Blacks with an entirely different challenge when the two sides meet in the opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Ackermann’s Bulls were beaten 19-50 by New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening, with the All Blacks producing an impressive display at times as they made the most of their opportunities.
But Ackermann said Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks will be a very different proposition, with the world champions match-fit, experienced and well-versed in playing together.
“Obviously the Springboks are match-fit, and if there’s quality players, they’ve played a long time together, and they’ve got some of the best heads in the world putting a plan together,” Ackermann told reporters.
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“So, I think the Springboks will be well-prepared, and the time will tell.”
Ackermann also believes the All Blacks may find some of the risks they took against the Bulls harder to execute against the Springboks.
New Zealand had the luxury of a sizeable lead at Loftus, allowing them to attempt ambitious plays from deep inside their own half.
“The All Blacks maybe had the scoreboard luxury tonight to try a few things from deep in their own half that I don’t think they’ll get away with against the Springboks,” Ackermann said.
“You know, that’s the way they do play sometimes, but they may find themselves a bit in trouble with that [in the Test matches].”
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While the Bulls were unable to contain New Zealand for long periods, Ackermann believes there were lessons for the Springboks in how to approach the Tests.
For him, patience with ball in hand could be crucial.
“I think the Springboks will see that there are opportunities if you keep the ball in hand against the All Blacks, and I’m sure that they will look at the game and work on that,” he said.
Ackermann felt the Bulls themselves could have made more of their opportunities had they shown greater composure in possession.
“They will be well-planned, the Boks, but I feel that if we were a little bit more patient with the ball in hand tonight, we could have finished a few opportunities, and I think hopefully the Boks will take that.”
