Legend Explains Tony Brown’s Impact As Springboks Master Aerial Battle Against All Blacks

• Tony Brown’s influence has added another dimension to the Springboks’ tactical approach, particularly when opponents try to disrupt their aerial game
• A former All Blacks star has explained how South Africa adapted its kicking strategy and created fresh problems for New Zealand during their Test series
• The Springboks’ ability to change where they targeted the ball has caught attention as teams prepare for another tactical battle ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Former All Blacks star Ben Smith believes Tony Brown has helped make the Springboks more adaptable, particularly in their aerial and attacking game against New Zealand. Smith said Brown’s influence became noticeable as South Africa changed its kicking strategy during the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Speaking on the Highlanders’ YouTube channel on 2 October 2026, Smith said:

“Definitely had Brown’s fingerprints on there. I think they’ve got a really good balance to the game at the moment.”

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The Springboks lost the opening Test before winning the following three matches. Smith focused on how they responded when New Zealand attempted to disrupt their aerial tactics.

“Brownie, being a smart operator, moved the point of contact where they kicked it, and it became a real battle of manipulating that whole battle in the air,” he said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.

Springboks' aerial game forces New Zealand to adapt

Smith’s analysis went beyond the Springboks simply kicking high. When New Zealand moved its wingers backwards to get underneath the kicks, South Africa changed where it targeted the ball, creating different aerial contests for the All Blacks to defend.

“Brownie, being a smart operator, moved the point of contact where they kicked it, and it became a real battle of manipulating that whole battle in the air,” Smith said.

The former All Black also praised the Boks for using space intelligently, saying they placed kicks in areas that made it difficult for New Zealand to secure possession cleanly.

“The way that the South Africans were able to manipulate space and put it in the right areas to actually make it hard for the All Blacks to catch it, I thought they did that really well,” Smith said.

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Smith believes New Zealand will now have plenty to consider ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, particularly when preparing to counter South Africa’s adaptable kicking game.

Springboks face fresh test after Perth defeat

The comments come after South Africa’s 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth on 27 September. The Wallabies led 42-17 before the Boks mounted a late comeback, but Australia held on for victory.

South Africa are scheduled to return to action later in October, with Italy, France and Ireland among their upcoming opponents.

For the Boks, the challenge will be to keep adjusting their tactics as more teams study their methods ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Springboks’ 2027 All Blacks Tests take shape

Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks could face the All Blacks twice in New Zealand during the 2027 Rugby Championship, with Auckland and Christchurch mentioned as possible venues.

Dave Rennie’s comments have added another layer to the growing rivalry, particularly with the two sides potentially meeting again at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The full schedule and venues still require official confirmation.

Source: Briefly News