Hansen's remarks came during a recent Rugby Unity podcast, where he delved into the South African options. "Look, I don’t know, but what a hell of a good problem to have," Hansen mused. He pointed out that the choice between Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will significantly reflect the tactical direction the Springboks aim to take.
"It comes down to what tactics the South African coaches want to employ. Do they want a tempo game, or do they want a kicking game? If you want a kicking game and you want someone that you know that’s going to kick goals from anywhere under the most pressure, you go Pollard."
The depth in the Springboks squad doesn't just stop at fly-half. Hansen noted the broader array of talent at Erasmus's disposal, suggesting it provides a robust platform to vary their game plan as needed. "They’ve now got an opportunity to be able to play whatever type of game they want with whomever they want to play it with because they’ve got an arsenal of weapons to push the button on," he said.
While Hansen avoided making a direct prediction, former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie didn’t shy away from forecasting the Springboks' choices. "I think they’ll start with Libbok, and they will have Sacha coming on later in the game," McKenzie projected, highlighting the dynamic strategies at play.
McKenzie also touched upon the broader tactical approach expected from the Springboks, focusing on their renowned power game. "They’re going to just try and generate penalties, play right down the end of the field and then bludgeon them; they don’t care how they win. The crowd will be happy if the hooker scores all the tries; they won’t care."
Despite the wealth of options, Hansen issued a cautionary note to Erasmus concerning the complexity of having such depth. "The point you make about having so many to pick from as a selector, sometimes that can be off-putting because you can get too bloody sneaky and you can bugger yourself up," he advised. This balancing act between innovation and overcomplication is something Hansen is keen to see unfold.
Erasmus, known for his typically early team announcements, has decided to defer the revelation of his match-day team against the All Blacks, adding an element of suspense to the buildup for what promises to be a thrilling series opener.
As the rugby world eagerly awaits the strategic decisions from the Springboks camp, the upcoming game at Ellis Park is shaping up to be a showcase of tactical chess and raw rugby prowess. Both teams are set to enter the fray with their best, backed by strategic depths that only enhance the spectacle of one of rugby's greatest rivalries.
