South Africa can end New Zealand’s 31-year Eden Park fortress, but only if they play to their traditional strengths, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the All Blacks “have not lost in 31 years and 50 Tests at Eden Park,” but history has not stopped Rassie Erasmus’s Boks from rewriting the record books. He argues the Springboks “can’t be seduced into an exhibition match” and must revert to their DNA of set-piece power, Handre Pollard’s boot, counter-attacking and discipline.
Keohane notes that Erasmus named his match 23 only after the All Blacks’ squad was confirmed, an unusual move that may signal tactical adjustment. He points out that the “famed Bomb Squad of replacements has been dismantled for the traditional forwards and backs five/three split.”
KEO: Rassie dismantles Bok Bomb Squad for Eden Park
The All Blacks, desperate after five defeats in 19 Tests under Scott Robertson, will bring emotion. The Boks, says Keohane, can triumph by doing “the simple things well” and resisting the urge to play New Zealand’s way.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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