'I think the Springboks will see that' : How SA could expose the All Blacks

Johan Ackermann believes that Dave Rennie’s All Blacks will face a vastly different challenge against the Springboks than the one they encountered against his Bulls side, warning New Zealand could be punished if they continue to take risks deep inside their own territory.

The Bulls head coach was speaking after the All Blacks’ 50-19 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour win at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, a performance that saw the visitors capitalise ruthlessly on their opportunities.

But Ackermann expects Rassie Erasmus’ world champions to be far better equipped to deal with the visitors when the two sides meet at Ellis Park next weekend.

“Obviously the Springboks are match-fit, and if there’s quality players, they’ve played a long time together, and they’ve got some of the best heads in the world putting a plan together,” Ackermann told reporters.

“So, I think the Springboks will be well-prepared, and the time will tell.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

24

17

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Ackermann suggested the All Blacks benefited from the comfort of a healthy lead against the Bulls, allowing them to play with greater freedom from deep positions on the field.

“The All Blacks maybe had the scoreboard luxury tonight to try a few things from deep in their own half that I don’t think they’ll get away with against the Springboks,” he said.

“You know, that’s the way they do play sometimes, but they may find themselves a bit in trouble with that [in the Test matches].”

Ackermann also believes there are lessons for the Springboks to take from the Bulls’ defeat, particularly around keeping possession and showing patience when opportunities arise.

“I think the Springboks will see that there are opportunities if you keep the ball in hand against the All Blacks, and I’m sure that they will look at the game and work on that,” he said.

While acknowledging the gulf between the sides on the night, Ackermann felt his team missed chances to apply greater pressure.

“They will be well-planned, the Boks, but I feel that if we were a little bit more patient with the ball in hand tonight, we could have finished a few opportunities, and I think hopefully the Boks will take that.”