18  September 2019, by: Quintin van Jaarsveld

RWC Springboks v All Blacks: Key Head to Head Battles

Explosive head-to-head battles are set to rock the Yokohama International Stadium when the Springboks and All Blacks collide in a colossal Rugby World Cup Pool B clash on Saturday, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

The game’s greatest rivalry brings out the absolute best in both nations. The very legacies of Springbok and All Blacks rugby are intertwined, forged in a fiery first-ever encounter on August 13, 1921, in Dunedin, where New Zealand emerged 13-5 winners.

Their epic showdown in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final at Ellis Park will forever be one of the greatest and most significant events in all of sports – the passion, emotion, intensity, skill and nerve of both teams, and the Springboks’ transcended 15-12 triumph that united a nation.

No added motivation is ever needed by players in these respective camps, however, with Saturday’s virtual pool decider set to put the winners and losers on two distinctly different paths to what they hope will lead to ultimate glory, the intensity levels will be through the roof.

Iron sharpens iron and sparks are set to fly. We highlight the key head-to-head battles – all of whom are between two of the best in world rugby in their respective positions – that’ll have a major bearing on the outcome of this much-anticipated and all-important showdown.

The gold standard of hookers who share several qualities yet are different in many ways. Both men are leaders – vastly experienced and highly respected by their peers. They’re hard-nosed, strong, mobile and exceptional in the set-pieces. That’s where the similarities end.

Stylistically, they approach the game differently. In fact, they personify the Springboks’ and All Blacks’ strengths. Marx banks on his power to bash over the gainline and uses his freakish upper body strength to win turnovers at rucks and mauls, while Coles utilises impressive speed and ball skills to do damage. The clash of styles always makes for a compelling contest.

Etzebeth’s battle will be both physical and mental. The Springbok enforcer has a dark cloud hanging over his head following allegations of his alleged involvement in a physical, racially-charged incident at a pub in Langebaan. He’s categorically denied the accusations and although he appears unburdened, Saturday’s showdown will shine the spotlight on his mental state.

Retallick has been the world’s leading lock for a number of years. The youngest-ever winner of the World Rugby Player of the Year award back in 2014, the now 28-year-old does it all, and he does it extremely well. He has no weaknesses in his game – that’s what makes him so special. Neutralising Retallick would be huge for the Springboks.

Two talismanic figures. Masters of their craft and the art of rugby warfare. Vermeulen, who’ll earn his 50th Test cap, is invaluable to the Springboks – the key cog in the pack. Without him, their engine doesn’t fire on all cylinders and the back-row is unbalanced. With his power, physicality, experience and leadership, he inspires the men around them.

The same is true for Read. He’s become one of the all-time great All Blacks captains. He has an aura about him, the type all legendary skippers share. He knows exactly how to lead his troops – when to push the envelope and when to play it safe – and at 34, he’s still up there as one the elite eighthmen in the game.

Ranked by the Telegraph as the two top scrumhalves in the business and among the 20 best players in the world, with De Klerk ranked 11th and Smith 14th. Both are electric and can exploit the smallest of gaps at a drop of a hat. De Klerk has had to curb much of those attacking instincts in the Springbok set-up, though, his primary duty being launching contestable box kicks. In that sense, he’s more integral to the Boks’ success than Smith is to the All Blacks’. If he’s not on point with his execution, the Springboks will struggle.

Both are excellent at putting pressure of their opposite numbers, are clear communicators and organisers from the base and of course, they’re outstanding distributors. Smith has long been a thorn in the Springboks’ side and as the most-capped No.9 in All Blacks history, he has a distinct advantage over De Klerk when it comes to experience.

Whether Pollard lines up against Mo’unga or Barrett, the battle of the boot will be pivotal. Pollard is the Springboks’ most valuable player – much of their hopes rest on his shoulders. He’s the total package, but his main responsibility will be dictating terms with his educated boot. He has an edge over both New Zealand stars when it comes to physicality and goal-kicking and he’ll be determined to make the most of those advantages.

Mo’unga had an outstanding Super Rugby season, in which he steered the Crusaders to a 10th title, while Barrett is widely considered as the best player in the world. The jury is still out on whether playing the dynamic duo at 10 and 15 are in the All Blacks’ best interests; while Barrett has been lethal at fullback, Mo’unga blew hot and cold in the Rugby Championship. Both are prolific playmakers able to bamboozle defenders with an array of skills, so Pollard and the Springboks will have their work cut out for them either way.

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