Springboks Coach Flags ‘Illegal’ All Blacks Tactics That Left SA Franchises Unhappy
- Springboks coach flags 'illegal' All Blacks tactics that left SA franchises unhappy
- The Springboks have raised concerns over tactics used by the All Blacks ahead of the Ellis Park Test
- Felix Jones says the Bok camp received feedback from provincial sides after their clashes with New Zealand
- Two areas in particular have caught the attention of the Springboks coaching staff
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The Springboks have raised the alarm over All Blacks tactics ahead of Saturday’s Ellis Park Test after receiving concerning feedback from South Africa’s provincial sides.
Assistant coach Felix Jones said the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls had highlighted issues they encountered when facing New Zealand during the opening matches of the Greatest Rivalry series.
Rugby Pass reports that while speaking on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, Jones said:
“A couple of things caught the franchises out and a couple of themes were consistent across the feedback.”
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Breakdown and maul concerns
According to Jones, one concern involved the breakdown, where the provincial sides experienced “tucked shoulders going in” as well as a “reversed-arm non-wrapping action”. The franchises also raised issues around driving mauls.
“It’s tough when there’s someone pulling or trying to lift a leg or going off their feet,” Jones said.
Jones said the feedback largely confirmed observations the Springboks had already made during the Nations Championship.
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Felix Jones calls for legal physicality
The All Blacks have beaten the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls on their South African tour, but Jones said the Boks are aware of the issues raised by those encounters.
“We’re all for the physical side of the game, as everyone is aware. We just want it to be within the laws,” he said.
Jones added that World Rugby’s priority is player safety. South Africa face New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August, at 17:10.
Rassie Erasmus faces fresh criticism from New Zealand
Briefly News also reported that Rassie Erasmus has faced fresh criticism from New Zealand as the Springboks prepare for their Ellis Park Test against the All Blacks on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
The latest debate centres on match officials and whether they will be strict enough on stoppages and tactics that could disrupt New Zealand’s fast-paced approach.
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Source: Briefly News
