All Blacks endure 'ruthless review' ahead of Bok clash
SPOTLIGHT: All Black forwards coach Jason Ryan says no stone is being left unturned as his side prepares for a mammoth battle against the world’s best pack of forwards.
New Zealand did well in the set-pieces and the physical exchanges on their way to a 41-12 win over Argentina in Round One of the Championship in Mendoza.
Ian Foster’s side blew the Pumas off the park in the first half, but they found it a bit difficult to keep that same intensity going in the second half.
With the Springboks bosting a powerful pack of forwards, Ryan knows that his squad is facing a very different beast this weekend and that was mentioned in ‘a ruthless review’ this week.
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“Our scrum stood up and we did have some top-quality ball [against Argentina],” said Ryan.
“It’s a different game over there with the sun on your back.
“Mount Smart Stadium [in Auckland] is a little bit wet on a cold, dewy night – she’s going to be a title fight.
“It’s a different contest this week.”
The All Blacks will have to raise the bar significantly, especially after the Boks sent a group of stalwarts over to New Zealand last week to prepare for this Saturday’s Test.
“They’ve sent those guys over early for a reason,” Ryan added.
“They’ll bring a bit of an edge with them coming over earlier. We’ve got to be right on.
“They’re clear on their identity as a team of who they are around their forwards. Also, I thought they used the ball pretty well [against Australia], a bit of space and got to some edges and trying different things. And they’re a good defensive side.
“There are a few things we saw that are a little bit different.
“They’re pretty clear on their DNA, the Boks, and you’ve got to respect them and admire them for it.
“They’ve got a pretty clear strategy. Put the ball in the air and it will be a hell of a contest.”
Source: @AllBlacks
