While the Springboks' power play was as beastly as ever in the third of the three-match Test series against Wales in Cape Town, questions remain regarding the side’s overall effectiveness on attack.
It’s no secret that the beautifully brutal way the Boks maul, maraud and mash their opponents into submission has been the foundation of their great success in the Rassie Erasmus/ Jacques Nienaber era. Combined with a steadfast kicking game and well-executed rush defence, the South African game plan has so far yielded a Rugby Championship, World Cup and Lions series.
However, there is growing concern for the Boks’ shortcomings; in particular their ability to break down opposition defences in more ways than one. As successful as the group’s “take them to the gutters” mentality has been, if teams can meet the Bok physical challenge (admittedly no small task), and disrupt them at the set-pieces and in the air, do the world champions have other means to win Test matches?
One can look at the performances of France and Ireland this year to see what the South Africans will be up against if they are to successfully defend their World Cup crown next year.
Grand Slammers Les Bleus have added a formidable pack and Shaun Edwardian defence to their already impressive ball in hand approach, while Andy Farrell’s Ireland just achieved all-time great status following their series win in New Zealand.
The former definitely have the potential to overpower the Boks in contact, while the latter’s scintillating attacking structures will cause any defence problems.
Either of these sides could knock the Boks over right now.
Spot the difference 😏#RSAvWAL pic.twitter.com/r0BP3RX6RJ
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 16, 2022
Attacking evolution
Regardless of the sport, truly great teams develop and refine their game, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Boks need more offensive options in their arsenal than solely relying on their ability to outmuscle and outkick opposition.
Reading between the lines of comments from Nienaber and Siya Kolisi in the media this week, it would appear the side is aware of their current situation and are putting measures in place to improve.
The current set-up boasts some of the world’s most prominent attacking players, and while the “grunt up front” will always be the cornerstone of the Bok approach, it’s imperative the side makes better use of their creative resources in developing other methods to manufacture tries.
