All Blacks Told Why ‘Bullying Tactics’ Have Given Springboks an Edge in Greatest Rivalry Series

• Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell weighed in on why the Springboks currently lead the Greatest Rivalry series 2-1
• The rugby legend pointed to the contrasting styles of the two teams as a central factor in how the series has unfolded
• The ex-skipper also identified a key element in the All Blacks' back-to-back defeats heading into the final Test in Baltimore

Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell has attributed the Springboks' 2-1 lead in the Greatest Rivalry Test series to their physical, confrontational brand of rugby, ahead of the fourth and final match at the M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Randell described the series as a battle between two very different rugby philosophies. Speaking on The Platform NZ podcast, the 51-cap New Zealand international explained that the Springboks relied heavily on their physical power, particularly through their imposing forwards, while the All Blacks tried to win through skill and attacking creativity.

All Blacks outscored but outmuscled

Randell pointed out that New Zealand had actually produced more tries across the series, highlighting their ability to play expansive rugby.

However, he felt South Africa’s physical approach ultimately proved decisive, with the Springboks using their size and aggression to wear the All Blacks down and force them into submission.

New Zealand won the opening Test in Johannesburg before successive victories for South Africa in Cape Town and Soweto shifted momentum. Despite producing more tries across the series, the All Blacks have been unable to convert that attacking output into a series lead.

Randell praised the high standard of rugby throughout the series, highlighting the huge interest surrounding the matches, particularly because the All Blacks had not toured South Africa for three decades. He described the three Tests in the country as a standout part of the series and said they had captured the attention of many fans.

Experience gap proves decisive

Randell highlighted the significant difference in coaching experience as one of the reasons the All Blacks have suffered consecutive defeats. Rassie Erasmus has led the Springboks since 2018 and guided South Africa to successive Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023. By comparison, All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie only began his tenure at the start of this year.

Randell also pointed to the physical demands of playing three intense matches in consecutive weeks. He noted that New Zealand benefited from their replacements in the closing stages of the first two Tests, but the Springboks managed to maintain their intensity and control the second half of the latest encounter. While the All Blacks finished with more points and tries, Randell felt South Africa ultimately demonstrated that they were the stronger side.

The fourth and final Test in Baltimore will decide whether South Africa complete a series victory or New Zealand fight back to force a draw.

Source: Briefly News