Springboks Legend Kitshoff Urges Erasmus to Rethink Playing Style Ahead of Eden Park Clash
- Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff has shared his thoughts on South Africa’s approach as they prepare for a major clash at Eden Park
- The former prop discussed areas where the team could tweak their playing style to gain an edge in the upcoming match
- Kitshoff also reflected on the team’s past performances and what they mean for the squad’s confidence heading into the game
- Briefly News spoke exclusively with rugby expert Thabiso Mokoena, who offered his insights ahead of the upcoming fixture
Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff has urged coach Rassie Erasmus to reassess the team’s playing style as South Africa prepares to face the All Blacks at Eden Park on 6 September.
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Erasmus named a full-strength squad packed with experience, to be captained by Jesse Kriel, while regular skipper Siya Kolisi will take on a different role, playing at number eight.
Kitshoff, who reunited with the Boks in their last match in Cape Town, spoke on The Game Time podcast about the importance of adjusting the team’s approach to overcome New Zealand.
He noted that the Springboks don’t normally make mistakes and usually put teams under pressure through scrummaging, mauling, tactical kicking, and defensive pressure. However, he added that the team had recently adopted a more expansive style, which had led to a few costly errors.
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What did Kitshoff say about the Springboks' playing style?
“If they return to the old-school Springboks style, but play with energy and intensity, we could see a high-energy team that limits mistakes while remaining exciting to watch,” Kitshoff said.
He also expressed confidence in the Boks’ mindset ahead of the clash, citing their previous success against the All Blacks, including four consecutive wins and a World Cup final triumph.
“New Zealand will be talking about this in their camp, and the Boks will be focused on making history, knowing what it takes to beat the All Blacks. There’s going to be tension you could cut with a knife,” he added.
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What did the rugby expert say about the upcoming match?
Briefly News also had an exclusive chat with rugby expert Thabiso Mokoena, who provided further insight into the upcoming fixture.
“The Springboks won’t repeat the mistake of overdoing the ‘tonyball’ style of attack. Both they and the All Blacks have missed a lot of tackles recently, which is concerning. If it rains, the wet conditions will favour the Boks, slowing the game and giving them a chance to dominate the aerial exchanges,” Mokoena said.
He added that if the pitch remains dry, the All Blacks could “run away with the match” thanks to their slick handling, attacking style, and ability to reach breakdowns first.
Mokoena also highlighted Eden Park’s historical challenge, noting that 93 tests have been played there, with the All Blacks winning 80. Despite this record, he believes the Springboks are still very much beatable.
He explained that while he is aware of the difficulties the Boks face on New Zealand soil, the team still has a strong chance of victory if they execute their game plan effectively.
Nkosi Mnikazi meets Siya Kolisi
Briefly News previously reported that 17-year-old Nkosi Mnikazi, who lives with cerebral palsy, recently fulfilled his lifelong dream of meeting his rugby idol, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
The emotional moment occurred during a special initiative with Vodacom Rugby at the Sharks vs. Lions game in Johannesburg.
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Source: Briefly News
