All Blacks reveal trump cards
Morris Gilbert, Beeld
Sydney - The world's top-ranked rugby team cleared the way for success in the 2007 World Cup tournament in France by winning the Tri-Nations match in Brisbane on Saturday.
Springbok coach Jake White said after the match New Zealand's defence had been decisive in the 13-9 victory over Australia.
"It was the first time since 2002 that the Wallabies were unable to score a try in a Test match. That, in itself, was a compliment for the Springboks," White said on Sunday.
"In our match (in Wellington) against the All Blacks the Springboks scored two tries. We are, as a matter of fact, the one team that have scored the most tries against the All Blacks during the past few seasons."
White feels New Zealand emphasised the reality that the world champions would have two basic skills as their main trump cards: rock-solid defence and the ability to score tries.
The way the Wallabies dominated in the lineouts were obvious, White said.
"That is why Rocky Elsom and not Phil Waugh is now their blindside flanker. Elsom gives them more power in the lineout, making them even more formidable in that department."
Despite that, the Springboks are prepared for anything in the lineout. "In the Test in Wellington we also won lineout possession from New Zealand," White said.
"But what should be of much more importance to us, is the way Richie McCaw (All Black captain and openside flanker) slowed down Australia's possession.
"It proved that the Wallabies' dangerous backline cannot get going if they don't get quick ball. McCaw's influence was so great that one saw and heard a lot less than usual of Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock, Mark Gerrard and Lote Tuqiri.
"We will also have to ensure on Saturday that the Wallaby backs do net get on the front foot. We can do that by putting pressure on them in the tight phases," White said.
Michael Foley, coach of the Wallaby forwards, has conceded that Australia's scrumming is still not at the required level.
It was a lot better on Saturday than in the first Test against New Zealand, but Foley feels the Wallabies still do not scrum consistently well. In the second half of the Brisbane Test they folded a few times.
The Australians suffered no serious injuries during the titanic battle. There was some concern about tighthead prop Rodney Blake's ankle injury and the knock outside centre Stirling Mortlock took on the mouth but both have been cleared to play against South Africa this week.
News source: www.news24.co.za
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