Coaches in the spotlight as Springboks seek redemption

The coaches as well as the players will have plenty to prove in Wellington as they aim to defend their Freedom Cup title after they were all outgunned in Auckland

- By Jon Cardinelli

The Springboks were outplayed and out-coached in the 24-17 defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park on 6 September. Although they fought back from a 14-point deficit in the first quarter, the group has come in for stinging criticism in the wake of a humbling loss.

The performance was characterised by elementary errors, and the opposition had an emphatic answer for nearly every tactical question the world champions posed.

In a sense, the big story to emerge from one of the most important fixtures on the rugby calendar is that of Scott Robertson and his coaching staff, who outcoached their Springbok counterparts to secure an inaugural win after two consecutive losses in the 2024 Freedom Cup. Experts and analysts have gone out of their way to laud the All Blacks coaching staff for the preparation and detail that went into the New Zealand performance in Auckland.

The All Blacks took the chance to neutralise the Boks' attempt at a midfield line-out - the trick play that set up two tries against Italy earlier this year and employed a smart kicking game to catch the visitors out of position at key moments.

Robertson and right-hand man Jason Ryan have been duly applauded, as has New Zealand rugby's "professor" Wayne Smith who rejoined the All Blacks coaching team on the eve of the Freedom Cup series. Smith's eye for detail has made all the difference, and it's the All Blacks rather than the Boks who will take the momentum into the decider in Wellington on Saturday, 13 September.

Season on a knife edge

Rassie Erasmus recently announced his match day 23 for the door-die encounter. Seven personnel changes have been made, and at a glance, the backline appears short on experience and established combinations. It's a surprising move ahead of a match that will shape the Rugby Championship title race as well as South Africa's season.

Robertson expressed his surprise when the news was relayed to him at a media conference on Monday.