Jesse Kriel insists that the Springboks are “better” than they were at the Rugby World Cup, which may spell trouble for the All Blacks this weekend.
In a repeat of the final in France, the two teams will clash for the first time since the showpiece event when they go head-to-head in Johannesburg on Saturday.
South Africa edged that clash 12-11 and are favourites for this encounter having established some continuity since that triumph.
The majority of the squad remains intact while their linchpin in the backroom team, Rassie Erasmus, has stayed, returning to the role of head coach following Jacques Nienaber’s departure.
They have also looked to move their game on and the arrival of Tony Brown as attack coach appears to have added an extra dimension.
All Blacks rebuild
In contrast, the All Blacks are still finding their feet under new boss Scott Robertson, struggling to a 2-0 series victory over England before going down to a shock defeat to Argentina.
New Zealand have also seen a number of greats depart, such as Aaron Smith and Sam Whitelock, which has left Robertson with a significant rebuilding job.
That could therefore be an issue if Kriel is correct, with the Springboks star stating that they have improved since their success in Paris.
“If you’re not better now than you were last year, you’ve got a problem,” he told reporters.
“The big thing for us is that we want to stay ahead of the curve and keep working on our individual s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to get better. I definitely believe we’re a better team than we were last year.
“Our focus now is to train as hard as possible. This is a massive Test for both teams, so it’s important that we are well prepared and have our systems in place.
“The intensity with which we play, and our effort is all that we can control. Both teams are in a similar situation with new coaching staff and players after the Rugby World Cup final, so this week will be about who prepares the best and uses their opportunities on the day.”
Kriel still paid the All Blacks due respect and admits that the Springboks are also trying to bring through younger players ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“They have unbelievable players with a great s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set, and they play a fast game, so we know what we are up against this weekend,” he said.
“Last week we played a completely new team, with a lot of guys that weren’t in the [Rugby World Cup] final. Both teams are in a similar space in that a lot of new guys have come in and have put up their hands.”
Tony Brown’s influence
South Africa have still retained their main strengths of set-piece dominance and forward power, but they have complemented that with a new attacking philosophy.
New Zealander Brown has come into the set-up and his influence has been evident, with the Boks being far more adventurous with ball in hand.
“Brown has been massive since he’s come in,” Kriel added. “He’s got the guys in the room really excited. I think he’s got us playing a really exciting brand of rugby that the guys are enjoying.
“It’s nice getting onto the field and being excited about how you’re going to play. You can see quite a bit of change, but you keep the core of what you’ve built on for the last couple years.
“If you look at a guy like Eben [Etzebeth], he’s got an unbelievable pair of hands and offloading ability. If you look from one to 15, there are guys with amazing s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 sets.”
