New Zealand legend Zinzan Brooke says the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series could hinge on just one moment in a match, such as his famous 1996 drop goal at Loftus Versfeld.
Brooke, who played in the All Blacks’ 1996 series victory over the Springboks in South Africa, was speaking in a wide-ranging interview with RugbyPass ahead of an epic four matches between the world’s top two teams.
The former No 8 produced one of the great highlights of that tour, landing a long-range drop goal in the second Test in Pretoria as the Kiwis secured a 2-1 series win.
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“There wasn’t a prearranged call, just me shouting louder and louder ‘Marshy, Marshy, Marshy [scrumhalf Justin Marshall] and he gave me the ball,” the 58-cap Brooke said.
“[Centre] Frank Bunce got us over the advantage line and I looked at the clock with less than 10 minutes left and I thought if I get this drop goal we would be seven points ahead. I knew I could kick it, and job done.”
He believes those actions could again prove decisive when the All Blacks face the Boks across four Tests, with the tour starting against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday before clashes with the Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions.
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“It is feasible for the All Blacks to win the series but it comes back to that first Test which is absolutely critical,” the 61-year-old said.
“The Springboks have set a benchmark and it’s all about knocking them off and if you create the opportunity to kick a drop goal then you have to take it.”
Brooke also warned the All Blacks must manage the demands of an eight-match tour with a 44-man squad.
“My major concern is that with 44 players in the squad you are going to have to ensure there is friendship and camaraderie created so that there is a real bond.”
Photo: Simon Baker/Getty Images
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