Mallett: All Blacks copying Bok blueprint
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett suggests that the All Blacks are adopting a more direct, forward-focused playing style similar to the South African 'Bok blueprint'. While Mallett praises the All Blacks' evolution, he notes that South Africa's depth in the forward pack remains a significant advantage.
Why it matters
This analysis provides insight into the tactical evolution of top-tier international rugby ahead of major championship matches.
Nick Mallett believes the All Blacks have borrowed a page from the Springboks’ playbook under Dave Rennie ahead of next month’s four-Test showdown.
After watching New Zealand complete an unbeaten home Nations Championship campaign, Mallett says the biggest change has been the All Blacks’ willingness to attack through the middle before spreading the ball wide – an approach long associated with the Springboks.
“I must give Dave Rennie credit,” the former Bok coach said on the Talking Boks podcast. “I really thought he got his team to be so much more direct in terms of their ball-carriers. They really did carry well [against Ireland].
“It seems as though they’re following the South African template, which is very much go down the middle of the field prior to going out wide.”
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