'Damn predictable': Kiwi commentator unimpressed with Springboks

In recent times, the Springboks have been the innovators in the world of International Rugby, but one long-time New Zealand commentator has criticised Rassie Erasmus and his side for their performance at Eden Park.

The Springboks were kept to only three points up until the 62nd minute, and for most of the game, they were frustrated by how the All Blacks‘ defence was keeping them out.

Springboks captain Jesse Kriel opted for the three points early on at Eden Park when they had the chance, but as the game slowly got away from them, the option quickly changed to go to the corner.

Grant Nisbett, who has called over 350 All Blacks Test matches, was very surprised with how predictable the Springboks were at Eden Park.

“The Springboks were always chasing the game, and they never really changed their tactics so in the end, I was quite disappointed with the way the Springboks went about it,” Nisbett told Sport Nation’s Mornings with Ian Smith.

“Sure, there was plenty of physicality in the second half, but it was all a wee bit predictable, there’s a lot of box kicking, we did too, but there was a lot of box kicking from the Springboks.

“They weren’t playing like a team that was chasing the game, they were playing more like a team that was kind of defending a lead and I think it would have frustrated Tony Brown in particular sitting up there, because he’s such an innovative coach, but the Springboks to me, were too damn predictable.”

Another area of frustration for the Springboks in Auckland was the lineout, where the All Blacks players managed to get up and disrupt any clean ball that Erasmus’ side had.

Nisbett believes that that’s something teams should do more often, as putting someone up to contest can stop any momentum the attacking lineout creates.

“What I did enjoy on Saturday night is that we were actually getting up on Springboks ball and putting pressure on them.

“I’ve always been an advocate for it doesn’t matter whether it’s a five meter line out or what it is, put somebody up and try and disrupt the opposition ball, I just hate when nobody goes up at all.

“It’s a game where you dispute possession, unlike other games like rugby league, where you don’t really dispute possession, in rugby you get that opportunity to have a crack at someone else’s ball and I just love it.”