Let’s not beat around the bush, the All Blacks are firm favourites to beat the Springboks in their Rugby World Cup semifinal clash at Twickenham Stadium in London on Saturday.
Since Heyneke Meyer took over as Springbok coach in 2012, the Springboks have only managed 1 win over their old rivals in 7 attempts.
Overall, the All Blacks now boast a healthy 52 to 35 lead in the head-to-head standings, with 3 draws.
It is therefore no wonder local bookmakers have the All Blacks as 9-point winners. They have been more impressive than the Springboks in 2015 and after their 62 / 13 annihilation of France last week, again proved that their attacking skills are far more superior than that of the Springboks, who struggled to cross the whitewash in their win over Wales.
In the modern era, it would be fair to say that if the 2 teams play each other on 10 occasions, that the All Blacks would win 8 of those.
However, Saturday is a Rugby World Cup semifinal and there will be more nerves.
There’s also another aspect of the game – the weather – which could sway the pendulum more in South Africa’s favour.
There’s a 70% probability of heavy rain by the time the match kicks off and this should prove to be a leveller.
Such conditions should suit the Springboks more than their counterparts, who could play themselves into trouble if they opt to run from deep, in slippery conditions.
The Springboks will look to dominate the set pieces and contact situations, as well as attempt to keep the game as slow as possible.
The tactical kicking of Handré Pollard, Fourie du Preez and Willie le Roux will be of utmost importance, not to mention slotting kicks at goal.
The Kiwis will be favourites, but they’ll have to box clever if the heavens open come 17:00 SA Time on Saturday.
Sport24