Analysis: How the Springboks shut down the All Blacks' attack and delivered a historical defensive performance
The All Blacks were restricted to just 16 points compared to 34 on the same ground in the corresponding fixture last year. This is a simple indication that this Springbok side is a much better defensive side.
However more specifically, when faced with the same situations they handled them much better this year. They showed improved defensive awareness as a unit based on lessons learned and adapted much quicker to shut down the attack with relentless high-line pressure.
They were able to contain the All Blacks to just a solitary try conceded on a turnover ‘click’ play often shutting down everything else, and put in a historically good defensive performance.
Fool me once
The All Blacks seem to like to use specific ‘21’ patterns from the lineout against the Springboks, designed to create mismatches with speedsters like Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie on third phase switches.
Much of these plays are spearheaded around using a ‘skinny’ option play off the flyhalf on the first phase to set up the first ruck, before carrying around the corner to use two-thirds of the width of the field.
The ‘skinny’ play relies on short passing in tight space to target the 10-12 channel or sometimes the 12-13 using the backdoor wing option.
In last year’s test, Beauden Barrett plays Rieko Ioane out the back who crashes into winger Jesse Kriel (playing centre at this stage), while Ryan Crotty (12) offers a late support line.
Again on Saturday, the All Blacks started their lineout starter plays with the same move.
With Sonny Bill Williams (12) and Rieko Ioane (11) presenting big, strong ball carriers, the All Blacks have a high chance of reaching the gain line and punching through with momentum using this play.
If the call is a ‘21’ pattern, a pod of three will come around the corner on the second phase to set up the ‘axis’ ruck from which the switch will occur on the third phase.
A tell that shows the All Blacks are setting up for a strike on the later phases is the 10 on the ‘skinny’ play often plays the pass a touch early. He can’t risk ball-playing too late and getting tackled as he tends to have a key role to play later on. If he is put on the ground it can throw everything out.
In ’21’ plays, often he needs to be used as bait to lure the defence over or he is used as the key switch runner tacking across the field. If he is out of position because he’s pinned to the ground it throws a spanner in the works.
Last year, the Springboks were guilty of overcommitting after the second phase carry.
Just as Damian McKenzie (23) and Beauden Barrett (10) appear to move towards the left side, a host of Boks fold around the corner to defend the other side.
The All Blacks catch them short on a double-screen pass play and only last-ditch cover defence stops McKenzie scoring in the corner.
Early in the first half the All Blacks set-up a multi-phase raid attacking the same edge with a similar ’21’ switch play installed on the third phase.
This time Richie Mo’unga (10) hits Williams (12) with a short pass on the first phase ‘skinny’ play.
Even before the carry around the corner comes on the second phase, centre Lukhanyo Am (13) has diagnosed the pattern unfolding and calls for defenders to stay on the far side.
Kieran Read (8) takes the carry followed by a host of support players while Am is still scanning with eyes up. We can see Beauden Barrett (15) slowly beginning his path back across for the switch.
Often the difficulty with identifying these plays is the ‘picture’ the defence sees doesn’t come into focus until the last second.
The players involved in the first ‘skinny’ play are all on the ground, with only Codie Taylor stationed out wide. For Eben Etzebeth (4) and Faf de Klerk (9), they see empty space in front of them.
It is easy for the defence to ignore this side of the field and fold. However, in less than a second, the players on the ground will re-load, Barrett will time his run, and all the pieces will fall into place.
As the re-loading starts to take place, Am (13) is now 100% sure what is happening and signals for his forwards to stay put.
Am jumps up and down whilst screaming instructions over, which are adhered to. The Springboks re-load the defence on the far side with solid numbers to counter the switch.
The All Blacks use the flat two-man clearing pod to get faster width, with TJ Perenara (9) feeding Sonny Bill Williams directly out behind.
Williams (12) tries to play Barrett (15) behind Taylor on a screen pass, but it doesn’t come together well enough and Pollard (10) makes a good read, rushing up to force Barrett back inside and shuts down the play.
Faf de Klerk also has Rieko Ioane covered on the outside and the All Blacks are unable to create an overlap to exploit.
The ‘comms’ from Lukhanyo Am is an integral part of the Springboks ability to shut this down effectively, seen below at the bottom right of the screen.
Last week against Argentina we saw the All Blacks move completely away from a commonly used 1-3-3-1 pod system, using a two-man clearing pod to move the ball away from the high-pressure zone closest to the ruck.
It was the frequency with which they used this system, one which they have used before, that surprised. The All Blacks used it close to 100% of the time in a massive change geared towards creating more free-flowing rugby.
They continued with that approach against the Springboks but the visitors came prepared using subtle changes to combat it.
Workhorse flanker and unsung hero of last year’s win, Pieter-Steph Du Toit, was often found patrolling the midfield channel, rather than in close next to the ruck.
As the All Blacks flushed the ball past the first clearout pod, Du Toit was able to bring pressure from the middle consistently without fail.
He was constantly up in the face of the attack, forcing the play back inside at times as passing lanes were blocked.
The Springboks successfully prevented the All Blacks getting the ball past the rush defence in the middle third to the open space wider.
When it did, it often became static ball due to the work of players like Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe jamming in hard to pressure players receiving offloads.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0dt-mgIyz_/
Late in the second half, they started to drop off under fatigue as the All Blacks’ play started to make in-roads, but they were still able to hold on.
Kieran Read respected the Boks enough to take points on offer, instead of testing them with the driving maul which worked well in both tests last year.
The Springboks aggressive defence looked much more assured this time round, which in the end delivered a historically good output. The 16 points scored is the third-lowest at home under Steve Hansen’s watch, and the sixth-lowest considering away tests as well.
This should please Rassie Erasmus as he knows that pressure-cooker World Cup games aren’t going to be decided by tries and a smart, hard-working defensive unit can be the cornerstone of a championship side.
His side is still on the up and making rapid improvements towards becoming one.
Jordie Barrett expected to re-sign with NZR:
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
15 Go to comments