John Smit astonished by All Blacks' avoidance of set-pieces in...

📰 Read the full article: https://sports-podcasts.com/en/episode/nations-championship-john-smit-astonished-by-all-blacks-avoidance-of-set-pieces-in/ John Smit expresses shock at the All Blacks' reluctance to engage in set-piece battles against the Springboks. This revelation highlights a tactical shift that could redefine rivalry dynamics in rugby. Smit, the former Springboks captain, notes that South Africa secured a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand, excelling in scrums, lineouts, and kicking. The All Blacks, traditionally known for their adventurous play, opted to move the ball quickly rather than confront the Springboks' formidable set-piece strength. Smit emphasizes that this approach was unexpected, given the historical competitiveness between the two teams. In the final Test, New Zealand showcased improved performance in scrums, but throughout the series, they struggled against South Africa’s powerful techniques. Smit highlights the impressive physicality of the Springboks, with key players like Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw contributing to their scrum dominance. He also points to the influence of South Africa’s exit from Super Rugby, suggesting it has hurt the All Blacks' development in set-piece play. While the Springboks face tough competition in the Investec Champions Cup and URC, New Zealand teams seem less challenged in scrums, which may hinder their tactical growth. This evolving rivalry could have significant implications for both teams moving forward. #NationsChampionship #AllBlacks #Springboks #rugbyhighlights #rugbychampionship #Rugby #sports #podcast 🏆 More Nations Championship podcasts: https://sports-podcasts.com/en/sport/nations-championship/ 🎧 Listen to the full playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoWFEoIqbbFvypZ5JaUPiUcQ7dMN-OW5P