Ahead of a monumental Test at Eden Park, the tactical question was whether Scott Robertson would keep asking his All Blacks side to play at pace against the world champions.
Analysis: Will Razor double down on All Blacks' high-tempo running game?
Ahead of a monumental Test at Eden Park, the tactical question was whether Scott Robertson would keep asking his All Blacks side to play at pace against the world champions.
The reasoning for doing so is straightforward. South Africa's set-piece and collision game rewards a slow, structured contest; the surest way to blunt it is to keep the ball alive, stretch the defensive line and force the Boks to make decisions while retreating.
The risk is equally clear. High tempo without accuracy hands turnovers to a side built to punish them, and Eden Park in September can turn greasy quickly. Discipline at the breakdown and precision at the exit become non-negotiable.
The consensus among analysts was that the All Blacks would double down rather than retreat into a kicking contest, because playing conservatively against South Africa usually means playing the game they want.
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