The All Blacks intend to use a high tempo and expansive running style to defeat the Springboks at FNB Stadium in the third test. The squad selection made by Dave Rennie clearly demonstrates the team's desire for greater dynamism and mobility in the attacking line.
Key Rugby Rivalry
The inclusion of explosive hooker Asaph Aumua instead of experienced Cody Taylor is a telling move. While Taylor provides traditional stability in goal-line play, Aumua brings a rare and destructive threat of carrying the ball in open space.
Aumua, who is a forward from the Hurricanes, possesses a powerful physique and is capable of being an explosive ball carrier, while also demonstrating outstanding work rate in gaining ground. His presence indicates that the Kiwis aim to shift the ball away from the large Boks forwards by increasing the number of passes and offloads from deep in the field.
In the backline, the tactical shift is highlighted by the selection of 23-year-old Peter Lakai at the blindside flanker position. Unlike a traditional player in this position, who spends most of his time contesting rucks, Lakai has excellent ball-handling skills, allowing him to act as an additional link player. His speed, work rate, and ability to pass under contact allow him to maintain breakthroughs in wide areas of the field.
Together with the open-side Luke Jacobson and ever-present Ardie Savea, the All Blacks have formed an exceptionally mobile trio. The team looked very dangerous when possessing the ball in counterattacks and in moments when the game became more chaotic. Flyhalf Ruben Law and fullback Damian McKenzie operate effectively as space playmakers, and they now also possess the tools to break down defensive lines and distribute the ball.
By utilizing Lakai, Aumua, and Savea as mobile ball distributors in the central channels, the All Blacks hope to stretch the South African defense, which has struggled to cope with the Kiwis when they moved the ball into the wide zones. Furthermore, the inclusion of 2.03m tall Loa Sam Darii gives New Zealand an athletic and agile jumper capable of covering distance quickly, creating a different scenario for the Springboks during the lineout after three crucial turnovers by the South Africans in Cape Town.
However, by choosing a lighter and faster forward pack to unsettle the Springboks at the altitude of Highveld, New Zealand risks losing brute strength in the scrum battle against players like Ox Nche and Vilko Lowe. To execute their plan, the All Blacks need quick ball upon initial contact, which is not an easy task against an aggressively set-up Springboks side. Nevertheless, if the Kiwis can generate quick ball in collisions and outmaneuver the speed of the South African defense, they believe they possess enough firepower to replicate their attacking play from the first test in Ellis Park.