Ex-All Black captain Read says Argentina gave the 'blueprint' for Boks

Ex-All Black captain Kieran Read believes that Argentina provided the blueprint for beating the Springboks in Buenos Aires a fortnight ago.

Los Pumas hosted a strong South Africa side, although missing a host of topline stars, and were able to trouble them in their 17-10 loss, missing the chance to draw level with the final play of the game.

They led 10-3 for most of the first half and created a number of opportunities out wide through a varied attacking game that implemented chips and cross-field kicks.

“Even though they [South Africa] didn’t put anything on the table in Argentina, Argentina showed us exactly how we should try to beat the Springboks,” Read said on The Good, The Bad & Rugby ANZ podcast.

“They found space on the edge. They defend between the 15s, the South Africans, and they’re not going to go away from that DNA.

“There is space there; you’ve got to be willing to trust the pass and trust your depth to be able to get the ball there and create opportunities off the back of that because they will scramble and you might only make a 10m break down that sideline, but if you can get quick ball off that, it creates opportunities elsewhere.

“So, I think that Argies showed us a great blueprint: you get a quick ruck ball in the middle of the ruck, they don’t have a sweeper, they don’t play a traditional nine – it’s on.”

Read’s assessment is backed by the statistics which show that Argentina created six line breaks to one in the opening 30 minutes in Buenos Aires with right wing Ignacio Mendy finishing with four for the game.

The home side was unable to capitalise on their breaks, turning over a number of scoring opportunities.

Ex-All Black halfback Justin Marshall believed that the altitude could favour New Zealand, with the visitors training at altitude for longer in this preparation with South Africa sending half of their squad to Argentina.

Marshall highlighted the 2022 match up where Ian Foster’s coaching staff got the game plan right for the venue.

“A few years ago [in 2022], we saw it. We lost the first Test in Nelspruit; we came down here as complete underdogs but moved the ball from all parts of the field, and Rassie had to replace his entire front row in about the 33rd minute – they were gassed, completely cooked,” Marshall said.

“That’s what you’ve got to do to this Springboks side because they’re a juggernaut. They’re so well-drilled, they’ve got such great method, they’ve got good DNA, good combinations, but everybody folds when you’re tired.

“Everybody concedes when you’ve got no air left in your chest. So, that’s what I’m hoping the All Blacks are going into this game with, particularly those guys with low minutes: make them get into the hurt locker early.”