Former All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith has offered some intriguing insights into the strategy that led New Zealand to a decisive 33-16 victory over the Springboks in the Greatest Rivalry Test series opener. Despite popular belief, Smith argues that sheer speed is not the primary factor for overcoming Rassie Erasmus’ squad.
During the match at Ellis Park, the All Blacks found success not by exhausting their opponents with high-tempo play, but through strategic resilience and exploiting defensive gaps. The South African team, known for its robust defense, was not outpaced but outthought.
"If you think about the tries you would score against South Africa, everyone thinks against bigger men, speed will score you tries eventually, [but] they’re not that big and they’re not that unfit,"
Smith explained on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, debunking the myth that the Springboks can be simply outrun.
He detailed how New Zealand's tries came about strategically, noting that opportunities arose from penalties and well-rehearsed plays, not relentless speed. An early lineout play didn’t succeed initially, but patience paid off.
"We do it 25 minutes later and we get two loosies to fold, then you’ve got Grant [Williams] on three guys and he’s going, 'what am I doing?'"
The clash of strategies became apparent, with the Springboks adopting a conservative approach. Looking ahead to the next game in Cape Town, Smith anticipates minor adjustments from the South African side, still licking their wounds from the series opener.
Despite the first test's outcome, Smith was quick to temper expectations about the All Blacks' ability to dominate their rivals purely through traditional strengths like speed and agility.
He highlighted the necessity of doing their homework to exploit specific weaknesses, pointing out the importance of targeting the right defenders to maximize scoring opportunities. The strategy in Johannesburg was a testament to New Zealand's ability to adapt and execute with precision rather than rely on a single playing style.
Smith also expressed his admiration for Cam Roigard, describing the new scrum-half as a "breath of fresh air" for the team. As the All Blacks prepare for their upcoming matches, the blend of experience and fresh talent is seen as crucial for maintaining their competitive edge.
The series continues to promise high drama and tactical chess matches, with both teams showcasing their unique strengths. The All Blacks' focus remains on smart, adaptable play, a strategy that has served them well against the disciplined and sturdy South African defense.
