The Springboks are preparing for a physical opening Test against New Zealand on Saturday, with concerns raised about the All Blacks’ approach at the breakdown and during mauls.
Feedback from the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls, who have already faced the All Blacks on their South African tour, has prompted the Springbok coaching staff to pay particular attention to the visitors’ tactics.
Boks assistant coach Felix Jones said the team had taken note of reports concerning clearing actions at breakdowns and disruptions at mauls, stressing that physicality must remain within the laws of the game.
“World Rugby’s number one priority is safety, so we are just super aware that the feedback we did get from the franchises was that there were a number of those types of clearing actions, and we just want to make sure that that type of brutality or physicality stays within the laws,” Jones said.
The Springboks will announce their team on Thursday, with the squad boasting significant depth at scrum-half.
Grant Williams, who is among four world-class scrum-halves in the squad, said his focus would remain on putting the team first if he is selected to face the All Blacks.
“If I get the honour to play on Saturday, it is always good for me to put the team first,” Williams said.
The match also carries significance beyond the rugby field for Williams, who admitted that family loyalties will be tested during the highly anticipated rivalry.
With the first Test approaching, the Springboks are now focused on ensuring they are prepared for the All Blacks’ physical challenge while staying within the laws of the game.