The return of the Greatest Rivalry in rugby has sparked a renewed intensity and excitement among fans and players alike. With South Africa's departure from Super Rugby and their shift towards northern competitions, the stage is set for a captivating series between the Springboks and the All Blacks. This shift has injected a fresh dynamic into the rivalry, as players now face unfamiliar opponents, adding an edge to every encounter.
In the first match of the tour, played at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, the Springboks, led by Rassie Erasmus, emerged victorious over the All Blacks, coached by Dave Rennie. The final score, 38-21, and the six tries to three, masked the true nature of the game. It was a battle of contrasting styles, with the rules seemingly favoring South Africa's approach.
The Impact of Refereeing
One of the most intriguing aspects of this match was the performance of the referee, Karl Dickson. Dickson, known for his fluid, open-play style in the Premiership, adopted a different approach in Cape Town. The game saw a significant decrease in ball-in-play time, an increase in penalties, and a focus on set-piece scenarios. This shift in refereeing style raises questions about how the upcoming Test series will be officiated, especially with the potential for a penalty-laden slugfest.
Focus on Set-Piece Scenarios
The match highlighted the importance of set-piece scenarios, particularly the scrum and lineout. The All Blacks struggled with defending the opposition's scrum feed and lineout drive, with a high number of penalties awarded against them. This is an area of concern for Rennie and his coaching crew, as they prepare for the Test series. The Springboks, on the other hand, seemed to thrive in these situations, with Rassie's comments about the new maul rules suggesting a strategic advantage for his team.
The Role of the Maul
The maul, a key aspect of rugby, became a focal point in this match. With the new rule requiring defenders to retire behind the hindmost foot, the maul became a strategic battleground. Both teams struggled to defend against the lineout drive without committing penalties. Erasmus' comments about the increased number of maul-drive tries suggest that this strategy could be a key component of South Africa's game plan.
Aerial Contest and Lineout Defence
The All Blacks found success in the air, with the return of Fabian Holland, a towering 6ft 9in, 125kg player. Holland's presence in the lineout defence almost single-handedly improved New Zealand's performance in this area. His ability to contest in the air and disrupt the opposition's lineout run will be crucial in the Test series, especially with the Springboks' powerful lineout options.
Implications for the Test Series
While the All Blacks showed strength in the final quarter and Holland's performance was a positive, Rennie will be concerned about the refereeing style and the potential for a stop-start game. The high number of penalties awarded, especially at the scrum and maul, could favor South Africa's style of play. The background battle between the coaching staff and the officiating panel will be an intriguing subplot to the series.
Conclusion
The first match of the Greatest Rivalry tour has set the tone for an exciting series. With contrasting styles and a focus on set-piece scenarios, the upcoming Test matches promise to be intense and strategic. The role of the referee will be pivotal, and the battle between the coaching staffs will add an extra layer of intrigue. Personally, I believe this series has all the makings of a classic, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
