Former Springbok Coach Nick Mallett Raises Red Flag Over All Blacks Tactics Before Ellis Park
- Nick Mallett has highlighted an All Blacks approach that could become a major talking point at Ellis Park
- The former Springbok coach believes match officials will have an important role during the highly anticipated Test
- Mallett has also stressed that both teams must be allowed to use their strengths within the laws
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Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has raised a red flag over the All Blacks’ tactics ahead of their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test against South Africa at Ellis Park. Mallett discussed New Zealand’s defensive approach on the Talking Boks podcast on 19 August 2026, focusing particularly on how they deal with driving mauls close to their try line.
The former coach believes officials must be consistent when the All Blacks attempt to disrupt one of the Springboks’ most effective attacking weapons.
“New Zealand have got very good at doing that – these dark arts,” Mallett said according to SA Rugby Magazine.
Referees face pressure at Ellis Park
According to Mallett, New Zealand are prepared to concede a penalty if it means stopping an opposition driving maul from becoming a try. The former Springbok coach believes the All Blacks have adopted this approach because preventing a maul try is considered more important than avoiding a penalty, particularly near their own line.
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“You get a lineout 5m from their line and they are quite prepared to give a penalty away rather than give a try away,” he said.
Mallett added:
“They do not want to concede a maul try. So I hope referees will be nice and firm and clear.”
He also highlighted safety around cleanouts, tackles and lineouts.
Mallett calls for consistency
Mallett also called for consistency from the officials, stressing that the Springboks should face the same scrutiny as their opponents. He pointed to the 30-second limit for setting up lineouts and scrums, saying teams should “get the ball in within 30 seconds” as required by the laws.
The former coach wants the officials to ensure neither side gains an advantage by unnecessarily delaying the restart of play.
Englishman Matthew Carley will referee the Ellis Park Test on Saturday, 22 August 2026. With both teams expected to use their strengths and test each other tactically, consistent officiating could prove important during the contest.
You can watch Talking Boks on the YouTube video below.
Springboks receive warning over All Blacks cleanouts
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones had revealed concerns raised by South Africa’s provincial teams after facing the All Blacks.
The Stormers, Sharks and Bulls reportedly identified recurring issues around breakdowns and driving mauls, adding another layer to the tactical battle expected at Ellis Park.
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Source: Briefly News
