Brendan Venter

Having suffered defeat to the Wallabies this past Saturday, even the most die-hard Springbok supporters must be wondering if their team can win in New Zealand for the first time in five years.

Since taking the reins in 2012, Steve Hansen has forged a well-organised unit that plays with pride and purpose.

However, what makes the All Blacks most difficult to beat is their ball-in-hand threat.

To offer an example, in the final play of the first stanza against Argentina in Napier, the home side won a tighthead. Subsequently Beauden Barrett took the ball to the line, used his quick feet and evasiveness to pierce the defence and fed the lightening-quick Liam Messam, who scored the try.

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In last week’s column, I outlined the intrinsic value of ball-carriers who boast a full house in terms of weight, speed and evasive ability.

The All Black class of 2014 possess a number of players in their arsenal who tick all three boxes.

In the backline, Julian Savea is reminiscent of Jonah Lomu in his heyday. He’s big, fast and elusive. Meanwhile, in the forward pack, Kieran Read is equally effective as a ball-carrier. While the eighthman’s decision-making ability is well-documented, his pace and stepping ability is uncanny.

While I generally enjoy listening to Ashwin Willemse’s insights as an analyst, I was left frustrated by his post-match comments after the Springboks’ one-point defeat to Australia on Saturday.

Willemse was outspoken about Heyneke Meyer’s non-expansive style but I believe the former Springbok winger should practice what he preaches.

As such, I would advise Willemse to take off his suit and tie, purchase a tracksuit and pair of takkies and go coach his local rugby side. As soon as he does this, I believe he will realise that coaching isn’t as straightforward as it may seem, which is why Nick Mallett is more tempered in his criticism.

What Willemse, and Springbok fans at large, must understand is that it’s not just the intent of running the ball that will make the difference. Particularly against the All Blacks, if the Springboks employ a run-from-everywhere approach they will get pumped, as the home side thrives upon turn-over ball.

Therefore, instead of fighting fire with fire, I would advise the Springboks to box clever.

First and foremost, the Springboks should look to target the All Blacks at set phase. I believe the number one-ranked team in world rugby remains jittery at line-out time and can be duly dismantled.

Secondly, while the Springboks’ defensive strength has always proved their physicality and line speed, on this occasion, I would advise that line speed be sacrificed for defensive alignment.

To put it simply, the visitors must maintain their shape even if it means moving up slower in defence.

Another ace up the Springboks’ sleeve is character. The team boasts an abundance of that quality.

Meyer has his fair share of detractors but, for me, he remains a brilliant coach as he boasts the man-motivating ability to galvanise a team and make them believe in the seemingly impossible.

In closing, my rugby rant of the week pertains to Saru’s Transformation Strategic Plan.

While I do not wish to debate the merits of the argument for or against the quota system, I want to stress that in rugby, the most valuable commodity that builds camaraderie and team unity is respect.

To offer an anecdote from my time working with the Sharks, Lwazi Mvovo fractured his hand during the 2013 Currie Cup final, and at half-time I begged him to stay on the field because we needed him.

My request had nothing to do with his skin tone but rather his merits as a rugby player. By playing on with a broken hand, he further entrenched the admiration and respect held for him as a player.

I believe the moment the decision-makers put a number to it – 50 per cent of the Springbok team comprising of players of colour by 2019 – even the best black talent will wonder if they’re worthy.

It’s so absurd that we’ve reached a stage where players are judged primarily by their skin colour.