The Springboks may already hold a 2-1 lead over the All Blacks, but forwards coach Deon Davids believes South Africa’s powerful pack still has another level to reach before Saturday’s series-deciding fourth Test in Baltimore.
South Africa’s dominance at scrum and lineout time has been one of the defining features of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry this season. While New Zealand have scored more tries across the opening three Tests, the Springboks’ ability to control the set piece has provided a crucial platform for their two victories.
For Davids, however, the job is far from finished.
Springbok forwards continuing to evolve
Davids explained that the coaching staff deliberately rotated players early in the campaign to build depth and develop combinations throughout the squad.
That approach has helped the Springboks create greater cohesion within their forward pack while giving different players opportunities to understand one another’s roles.
The set piece was identified as a major priority before the series, and Davids believes the months of preparation are now beginning to produce results.
South Africa’s scrum has increasingly become a weapon, while their lineout execution has also provided the team with valuable attacking opportunities.
But the forwards coach insists the Springboks are still evaluating their systems and looking for ways to become more effective.
Adaptability proving crucial
One of the strongest examples of the pack’s development came during last weekend’s victory in Soweto.
Difficult and unpredictable wind conditions made life challenging for both teams, particularly at set-piece time.
Despite the conditions, the Springboks produced a perfect lineout success rate at FNB Stadium, demonstrating their ability to adapt rather than rely solely on rehearsed patterns.
That precision eventually helped create the platform for Malcolm Marx’s second-half maul try, another reminder of how important South Africa’s forward power can be.
Davids praised the front row and the wider pack for reading the conditions and adjusting their approach when necessary.
Bok pack chasing even greater cohesion
South Africa’s forward group combines players from several provincial franchises, bringing different experiences and approaches into the national setup.
Davids believes that diversity can become an advantage when players and coaches share ideas and learn from one another.
The coaching staff also maintains strong relationships with franchise coaches, helping create a wider exchange of rugby knowledge within the South African system.
That collective approach has contributed to the Springboks’ ability to maintain a high standard despite changes to personnel.
All Blacks face another major challenge
New Zealand have managed to outscore South Africa 13 tries to eight across the first three Tests, highlighting their attacking threat.
But the Springboks have won two of those matches and now have an opportunity to seal the series in Baltimore.
Their forward dominance could once again prove decisive.
With the Boks already leading 2-1 and Davids insisting that the pack can still improve, the warning to the All Blacks is clear: South Africa believe their best set-piece performance may yet be ahead of them.
The fourth Test promises another physical battle, with the Springboks needing just one more victory to claim the series.
For the All Blacks, stopping the Bok pack will be essential if they are to force the rivalry into a deciding result.
