Springbok Defence vs Scotland RWC by Katleho Lynch

 

The Springboks have launched their World Cup campaign on a promising note. They asserted their dominance over the game, highlighting why they are considered one of the favourites.

My focus will be primarily on their defensive strategies, including scrum and lineout defence, overall defensive performance, and general defence. Additionally, we will analyse their defensive tempo, individual player roles, and the pressure they exert off the line to disrupt the opposition's attack. It's worth noting that Scotland, known for their strong attacking capabilities, encountered difficulties adapting to the Springboks' aggressive rush defense.

Lineout Defence:

Effective first-phase defence hinges on grasping individual roles and adapting to the unfolding play. Often, conducting an opposition preview proves beneficial, providing us with a basic understanding of the opponent's intended attack and enabling us to construct a defensive strategy that counters them while maintaining our fundamental principles. In the video below, you'll observe the Springboks contesting for possession right from the source. Although they rise to contest, they narrowly miss securing the throw, allowing Scotland to claim the ball. Subsequently, Scotland attempts a maul, but their efforts are swiftly quashed as the Springboks sack the ball carrier. The sequence continues with Scotland executing a long pass, with Finn Russell orchestrating play from the back. Amidst these developments, pay close attention to the Springboks' aggressive line speed, which places considerable pressure on Scotland. This pressure manifests itself effectively over two phases of play. The Springboks' rapid response to the situation is indeed admirable. They adeptly cover both sides of the ruck, even as Scotland establishes a ruck roughly 20 meters from the 15-meter line.Notably, Eben Etzebeth's aggressive line advance compels the ball carrier to redirect inward, resulting in the formation of a new ruck. The Springboks then reposition themselves, and a long pass from the scrum-half to the fly-half ensues, leading to a pass to the lead runner within the pod. However, the Springboks manage a neutral tackle and subsequently endeavor to contest on the ground. A noteworthy observation is Finn Russell's attempt to execute a bridge pass, which is disrupted by Jesse Kriel, affecting Russell's line of vision. This disruption prompts Finn Russell to embark on a highly adventurous kick that ultimately lands in the possession of the Springboks. In essence, the crux of the Springboks' defensive prowess is their remarkable ability to consistently apply pressure. This capability extends from the initial source of play to aerial situations (when the ball is in the air), collisions, and ground contesting.

Have a look at the video below:

Scrum Defence:

In this video clip, we'll focus on the individual work rate of Jesse Kriel. Jesse demonstrates a strong work ethic as he tracks back and maintains a square position. As the ball shifts during the play, his square positioning allows him to move in sync with it and ultimately reach the last man in the attacking line. This particular instance exemplifies the team's commitment to high work rates and their dedication to shutting down the opposition's attacks through relentless defending.

General defence:

In the following clip, we'll analyse the Springboks' general defensive strategy, particularly in a wide ruck situation. Here, there's active breakdown contesting, with a player attempting to either slow down the ball or make a steal at the breakdown. From the ruck, Scotland plays the ball to a pod of three, with one player executing a deft tip pass to Finn Russell, who then delivers a wide pass to a forward. However, Jesse Kriel intervenes brilliantly, not only slowing down the forward but also catching the ball carrier ball and all with the assist defender.

While this unfolds, it's essential to observe the Springboks' intent to rush off the defensive line while the ball is in the air. Although the tackle is completed, Scotland struggles to release quick ball due to the Springboks' relentless pressure on the ruck. In parallel, you'll notice the Springboks efficiently filling the open side and smoothly folding three players, creating a balanced 5v5 defensive situation.

When Scotland decides to continue play on the same side, the Springboks once again anticipate the move, flying off the line to disrupt their opponents and prevent the ball from reaching the edge. Subsequently, a ruck forms, and Scotland opts to play off their fly-half, necessitating a long pass, with the adjacent pod positioned at a distance. Peter Steph keenly identifies this situation and aggressively rushes off the line while the ball is in the air. He tackles the runner just behind the gainline, enabling the Springboks to contest on the ground effectively and ultimately win possession.

Conclusion:

The Springboks have a remarkable ability to leverage their system to their advantage. They deeply appreciate the significance of hard work and the individual work rate of every team member. Their defensive approach is proactive, refusing to allow the opposing team to dictate the flow of the game; instead, they take control and compel their opponents into making mistakes.

Their commitment to not conceding easy opportunities is evident. They contest at the source of the play, in aerial situations (when the ball is in the air), and on the ground, ensuring that no aspect of the game is left uncontested. When the opposition manages to break through their defensive line, each member of the Springbok team hustles to scramble and cut off the play, enabling them to reset and regain control.

This team is exceptionally well-coached, possessing a profound understanding of their own principles. They do not necessarily focus on tackle completion but dominant tackles is where the difference is when it comes to collisions. They execute their strategies with great skill, even under the most high-pressure situations.

Katleho Lynch

Defence Coach