With the Freedom Trophy now on the line, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson concedes he needs more from his reserves if his side are to have any chance of overturning South Africa in Cape Town.
On Sunday the All Blacks faded in the final 20 minutes in Johannesburg as the Springboks claimed a 31-27 victory at Ellis Park.
Despite a contentious refereeing call putting them on the back foot, the All Blacks held a 27-17 advantage heading into the closing stages.
Ultimately, South Africa’s bench proved to be the decisive factor in getting the Springboks over the line.
Given the nature of South Africa’s Super Rugby exodus in 2020, four of the All Blacks’ seven replacements had never played a game in the republic.
When considering the Springboks had the likes of Eben Etzebeth with 125 tests and Malcolm Marx with 70 tests on the bench, South Africa’s experienced heads did the job required of them in overturning the deficit to snatch victory.
And while past All Blacks sides have been able to call on experienced reserves, the class of 2024 is still adjusting to life without those who departed after the last World Cup.
In comparison, Anton Lienert-Brown who has 75 tests under his belt was the All Blacks’ most experienced player on the bench, but excluding him and Ofa Tu’ungafasi, the rest have accumulated fewer than 60 tests between them.
Speaking after the defeat at Ellis Park, Robertson pinpointed the bench as where the All Blacks needed to improve in Cape Town.
He says It’s clear, the one thing they have got is highly experienced guys who have played overseas, guys that have been in the Springbok team for a long period of time, played some big tests.
Robertson says it is an advantage for them It’s something they will consider Over the last few years, you’ve had a Dane Coles or Sam Whitelock come off the bench.
He highlighted when it’s all considered, it’s part of their strength and DNA, the Springboks, have done it over a period of time.
Comparatively, this All Blacks side is in a much different place to their opponents.
Robertson’s side have played only six tests, while South Africa are in their second cycle under Rassie Erasmus, effectively a third when considering his time as assistant to World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber.
The All Blacks play the Springboks at 3am Sunday
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