No 8 dilemma as breakdown becomes battleground

THE Springboks, despite their imposing physicality, are facing growing scrutiny at the breakdown — an area that has traditionally underpinned their defensive strength and counterattacking prowess.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

That frailty at the tackle area was exposed in the Tests against Italy and, more recently, Australia.

The world champions can expect the All Blacks to target that weakness ahead of Saturday’s first Rugby Championship match at Eden Park (9.05am kickoff).

Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his disappointment at just how ineffective his side was in this area of play, especially in the first match against the Wallabies.

Things improved in Cape Town, but it was still not up to the standard that an international Test match demands.

Ardie Savea and his teammates will be licking their lips to get stuck into the rucks with the Boks, and if a repeat of the Aussie match occurs, it could be a long day for the South Africans.