All Blacks want to make Springboks pay for risky tactic
WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will be looking to take full advantage of the Springboks’ risky defensive tactic when the two teams meet in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.
The Springboks have become a force on defence under Rassie Erasmus, who uses his wings to leave their positions on the outside channels to put pressure on the opposition’s backline in the midfield.
It was a tactic the Springboks used during their 16-16 draw with the All Blacks in Wellington in July.
“Their defensive system has changed a lot,” said Hansen. “They roll the dice big time.
“To be able to roll the dice like they do, they have got to be fit. So, he [Erasmus] has got them fit.”
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Cheslin Kolbe was particularly good at disrupting the All Blacks’ defence when he came off his wing during the last encounter.
Hansen added: “They are good at it; very, very good at it. You want them to roll a couple of ones, rather than a pair of sixes.”
While the risky tactic proved effective, Hansen knows that it will also give his team opportunities out wide.
“The reason we didn’t execute better [in Wellington] was because their defence was good.
“Are there opportunities? Yes.
“If there is one thing I do know South Africa will give us opportunities because they roll the dice.
“Are we good enough to take them? Will the weather conditions allow us to take them? They are all things we will have to wait and see.”
Source: Stuff
