Sir Steve Hansen, a luminary in rugby coaching, believes the All Blacks need to ramp up their desperation to clinch a victory against the Springboks for the second consecutive week. After a surprising 33-16 win at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, they are now poised to extend their dominance in the storied Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The initial triumph over the Springboks left many fans stunned, given their expectations for a South African victory. Reflecting on the match, Hansen shared his thoughts on the Shaun O’Neill Podcast.
"They played enough rugby to win the game, but they got beaten quite convincingly, so that’ll be worrying them, why that didn’t happen."
The upcoming game in Cape Town is critical for the Springboks, who have made significant changes to their lineup, signaling a strategic shift. The inclusion of seasoned player Handre Pollard is expected to introduce a stronger kicking game.
Hansen commented on the strategic adjustments, noting Pollard’s role could pivot South Africa’s approach towards maximizing scoreboard pressure. This shift might contrast significantly with their previous tactics that didn’t yield the desired results.
"He’s not really the runner that the other two five-eighths they have in their squad are. So he’s going to kick a lot. He’s a goal kicker, so that probably indicates they’re just going to take on the scoreboard pressure and try and build, rather than try and do what they did last time and go for lineouts and in the corner or scrums out in front of the post. So they’ll take the three points that are on offer."
Hansen also highlighted the psychological aspect of the game, emphasizing the need for the All Blacks to match the heightened desperation of their opponents. He pointed out that even a slight shift in mentality can dramatically alter the dynamics of the match.
He further addressed Rassie Erasmus' mindset following the dramatic first match, praising his consistent leadership style amid pressure.
"Great leadership is when you’re flexible in your thinking, but you’re consistent at the same time, and so you’re the same person you are whether things are going good or going bad. You’re level. You’re calm," Hansen elaborated, stressing the importance of stability and openness in leadership.
With the All Blacks having won two of their last three encounters with the Springboks, their confidence is surging. Hansen expressed optimism about their chances but recognized the need for sustained focus and preparation.
"They’re definitely in a position to win it," Hansen asserted. "They’ll take a lot of belief out of it, and the more you play a team, the more you learn about them. So they would have learned a lot about them."
As the All Blacks gear up for another high-stakes game, the blend of experienced strategies and mental fortitude will be key to overcoming a resilient Springbok squad. Their ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure will likely determine the outcome of this crucial match in Cape Town.
