The Springboks ruthlessly exposed New Zealand’s shortcomings and emphasised their own mastery of tournament rugby ahead of the World Cup, writes MARC HINTON.
The defending world champions completed their World Cup preparations with a record 35-7 win against New Zealand at a sold-out Twickenham.
Skipper Siya Kolisi, speedster Kurt-Lee Arendse, hooker Malcolm Marx and replacement forwards Bongi Mbonambi and Kwagga Smith all scored in a five-try rout, to hand the Kiwis their heaviest defeat of all time.
The game was also notable for the Springboks fielding a 7-1 split between replacement forwards and backs, after fullback Willie le Roux was withdrawn and replaced by loose-forward Smith. Both sets of packs bullied New Zealand, both at the scrum and lineout.
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Writing for Stuff.co.nz, senior sports writer Hinton said the while the performance didn’t expose anything new about New Zealand’s shortcomings, it did show why the Springboks should be considered favourites to defend their title.
“If you can put the heat on the All Blacks in the forwards, get up and knock them over with your defensive line before they can get things flowing, and establish scoreboard and mental pressure, then they are highly beatable,” wrote Hinton.
“The Boks clearly reinforced that on Saturday. They were magnificent in their ferocity, intent and relentlessness. They looked back to their best. And they delivered a statement that the road to this World Cup runs through the defending champions.
“Nobody has figured out the formula for World Cup success better than this outfit. Nobody is more comfortable in their own skin, more confident in their style and more commanding in their approach than the big, bad Boks who suddenly look transformed with Rassie Erasmus back calling the shots.”
Photo: Ian Kington / AFP