The battle between the Springboks and All Blacks is continuing off the field, with South Africa’s scrum tactics once again under the spotlight.
The controversy follows the Springboks’ 33-26 victory over New Zealand at Cape Town Stadium, after All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie questioned South Africa’s scrum positioning and suggested the Boks were “walking around” the mark to gain an advantage.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus hit back, criticising what he viewed as New Zealand’s approach to the set-piece.
Daan Human addresses scrum controversy
With the scrum dominating discussions this week, Springbok scrum coach Daan Human fronted the media on Tuesday and dismissed suggestions that South Africa deliberately uses illegal tactics.
Human also backed referee Angus Gardner’s performance in the previous Test, saying he believed the official had been consistent with both teams.
“We’re not perfect and things can happen, but if we see something that can be done better, we try to fix it at the very next scrum,” Human explained.
Addressing the “walking around” accusation directly, Human insisted it is not something he coaches.
The former Springbok prop said the team’s objective is to move forward and generate momentum, rather than move sideways at the set-piece.
Springboks focused on improving
Despite the controversy, Human insisted that the majority of the Springboks’ preparation is focused on their own performance rather than the opposition’s complaints.
He acknowledged that New Zealand remain a formidable side, with a powerful forward pack and dangerous backs, but said South Africa’s priority is continued improvement.
The next chapter of the rivalry arrives this Saturday at FNB Stadium, where the Springboks will once again face the All Blacks.
Springboks vs All Blacks
Saturday
17:10
FNB Stadium
Live on SuperSport
With the scrum already a major talking point, all eyes will be on the set-piece when these two rugby giants meet again.
