Kiwi journalist Gregor Paul argues that South Africa’s Super Rugby exit has weakened the All Blacks, making them less competitive against powerful teams like the Springboks.
, Paul attributes this decline to New Zealand’s isolation in the Pacific bubble, where they no longer face South African teams in regular competition. Paul highlights a noticeable drop in the All Blacks’ success rate – falling from 87% between 2016 and 2019 to 69% post-2021.
Despite a strong showing for 62 minutes, the All Blacks crumbled in the final quarter in their defeat at Ellis Park last week against the Boks, especially after the introduction of the Bomb Squad. Paul suggests that Super Rugby’s evolution into a fast-paced, aerobic competition has left New Zealand’s players ill-prepared to handle the set-piece pressure or physicality they face internationally.He points to the lack of physically imposing athletes like Bok powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit, and sees this as a fundamental issue that the All Blacks need to address if they are to remain competitive at the top level.
“The All Blacks remain supremely well-equipped to beat the likes of Australia, Scotland, Wales and Argentina, but when they encounter teams such as South Africa, Ireland, France and England, who have ample power athletes and play an anaerobic style of rugby, they have been found wanting,” Paul writes.
“Super Rugby was once a rich tapestry of styles and athletes, but now it is a mostly aerobic, ball-in-hand, speed game where all 12 teams, with the exception maybe of the Blues, play a similar style.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
No Eben, as Boks back Sacha, Fassi for epic All Blacks showdownNo Eben, as Boks back Sacha, Fassi for epic All Blacks showdown
Read more »
Boks boosted as veteran lock Etzebeth is cleared to face All Blacks at Ellis ParkBoks boosted as veteran lock Etzebeth is cleared to face All Blacks at Ellis Park
Read more »
Ellis Park precinct gets a major facelift - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business,Ellis Park precinct given a big makeover ahead of test match between Boks and All Blacks.
Read more »
Victorious Boks leave it till late against All BlacksVictorious Boks leave it till late against All Blacks
Read more »
Captain Siya trains with Boks, looks fit and ready for All BlacksCaptain Siya trains with Boks, looks fit and ready for All Blacks
Read more »
Stormers boss defends ticket process, pricing for blockbuster Boks v All Blacks TestStormers boss defends ticket process, pricing for blockbuster Boks v All Blacks Test
Read more »