'Everyone talks about Springboks set-piece, but they've grown'
All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga warns that the team must prepare for a multifaceted Springboks side ahead of their upcoming Test match. While South Africa is known for its physical set-pieces, Umaga notes they have evolved their attacking structures under new coaching staff.
Why it matters
This match represents a high-stakes encounter in international rugby, highlighting the tactical evolution of the sport's top teams.
All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga and an inset of a Springboks lineout.
Tana Umaga says the All Blacks need to be ready for anything when they tackle the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday in the first Test match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Since Rassie Erasmus took charge of the team back in 2018, South Africa have become renowned for their excellence in the set-pieces while the side has also innovated.
It hasn’t just been trick plays and forward-heavy bench selections, with Tony Brown joining the coaching staff to improve the team’s attacking structures.
Speaking from the All Blacks training on Tuesday, Umaga said that New Zealand had to be ready for anything that the Springboks had up their sleeves.
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