All Blacks great Murray Mexted has hailed the South African mentality ahead of the four-Test series in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The Springboks are renowned for their physicality in what could well be a clash of styles when the arch-rivals go head-to-head for the first time next weekend.
While Rassie Erasmus’ side have expanded their game since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Boks still place a massive emphasis on the fundamentals of set-piece, defence and kicking.
However, according to Mexted, the intensity they bring on the field is contrasted by what they are off it.
‘There’s always the exception’
“The one thing about South African rugby players is they are channelled. We talk about focus, they are really, really good at focusing on what’s important. The important thing is the confrontation, and they like confrontation,” he told the DSPN podcast with Martin Devlin.
“They definitely have an on-field, off-field mentality which I really admire. They leave it on the field, a disciplined team and they always have been.
“It’s not just the Springboks, it’s rugby players per se [in South Africa]. When you’re over there and playing interprovincial competitions, you sense that same factor with players that are a step lower.
“They’ve still got that really hard-minded attitude towards the game and after the game they’re perfect gentlemen.
“Not 100 per cent, there’s always the exception!”
All Blacks great: Springboks have got 150 Test-ready players
The All Blacks looked to follow the Springboks’ example under Dave Rennie’s predecessor, Scott Robertson, in certain areas of the game, but the new head coach has reverted to the type of game New Zealand teams have been renowned for over the years.
They are more willing to chance their arm from deep, trusting their skills and looking to get their dangerous runners into space.
It proved successful in the Nations Championship as they defeated France, Italy and Ireland, but this will be a truer test of their capabilities.
Can the All Blacks break down the Boks defence?
The Springboks will employ an extreme blitz defence that will no doubt challenge the All Blacks’ ball in hand approach.
“Their priority is defence and our priority is attack so we’re quite different teams in many respects,” Mexted said.
“It’s in their DNA, just like people talk about New Zealand rugby. It’s a different world, there’s no doubt about it and when they click on, they’re awesome.
“It’s a yardstick, you can see where you’re at and that’s why Dave Rennie and co. will be able to expose who those players are that have really got the level we need to be number one in the world again and to win the next Rugby World Cup.”