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'All strategies are risk-reward: What Ian Foster thinks of the Springboks' bench
By Ben Smith
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is expecting a ‘game of chess’ from the Springboks as they prepare for the first of two confirmed clashes this year.
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After sharing honours 1-all the last two years, neither side has been able to gain ascendency in the rivalry since the last World Cup.
With a potential quarter-final showdown on the cards later this year in France, the All Blacks are expecting to get a ‘marker’ of where they are at.
“Quite honestly there is nothing better than playing South Africa, it brings the best of both teams,” Foster told the media.
“We love these games and yes, we will get a clear marker of where we are at.”
The Springboks bench has been touted as a key strength of the side with experienced players of starting quality such as Malcolm Marx, Duane Vermeulen and Pieter-Steph du Toit all named in the reserves.
The formerly named ‘bomb squad’ has been upgraded to the ‘nuke squad’ as the Springboks prepare to unload their forward power on the the All Blacks with a 6-2 split.
Foster didn’t appear too fussed about the prospect of handling the Boks bench, saying that they are ‘used to it’ after a number of years facing what is two packs.
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“That’s been their strategy for a number of years really. They like adding fresh legs through their pack,” Foster said.
“It’s been done for a number of years so we are kind of used to that strategy. It challenges you.”
The All Blacks have named hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and boom rookie prop Tamaiti Williams on the bench to counter the Boks.
Taukei’aho was exceptional against South Africa last year, whilst Williams clocking in at 139kg is a powerful prospect in his own right.
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Tupou Vaa’i performed well off the bench against the Argentinians and reserve flanker Dalton Papalii is a disruptive force who can deliver impact.
Foster admitted that the All Blacks have considered using a 6-2 split themselves, but like anything, has risk that can be turned against you.
The Springboks found that out at Ellis Park last year after losing two outside backs in the first quarter of action, forcing a reshuffle for a number of players into unfamiliar positions.
“We’ve considered it. I think a lot of it depends on your playing group. All strategies are risk-reward, isn’t it?” he said.
“We’ve got a number of players we believe are 80-minute players. If we overload that area [the bench], we might be making a change for the sake of making a change rather than because we think it is the right thing.
“It suits them and that’s great. It probably doesn’t suit as at the moment.”
After South Africa’s 43-12 demolition of Eddie Jones’ Wallabies side, the All Blacks are expecting more of the same at Mt Smart.
Foster predicted that the Boks would use the ball again and play an expansive style of game.
“I expect them to use the ball, we’ve seen that. We saw that last week [against Australia],” he predicted.
“We saw that against us last year. They are a quality team, they aren’t world champions for nothing.
“They’ve got the ability to play a wide game, a fast game, but also they’ve got that Springbok DNA of control and set-piece, and aerial battle as well.
“You’ve got to expect both and we’d be foolish to prepare for one.”
The All Blacks head coach hinted that his side will play their cards close and won’t show their full hand in what will be close to a Rugby Championship title decider.
“There is a game of chess going here too. We play them again at Twickenham and there might be a potential game in a World Cup tournament,” Foster said.
“How much do you show and how much do you not show?
“In our mindset we are keeping it nice and simple. It’s an All Blacks-Springboks Test and these mean a lot to us.
“We are preparing for both strategies we know they can play well.”
As Colin Meads said to Salty du Rand after the Bok lock had punched Meads in the first line out:”It’s gonna be a luverly tour Salty.” Gonna be a luverly game.