Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield has warned that Australia beat South Africa in the air. He said this is the same area where the All Blacks struggled against the Boks.
The Wallabies beat the Springboks 42-38 in Perth. They now travel to Eden Park to face Dave Rennie’s All Blacks in the first Bledisloe Cup match, Planet Rugby reported.
“The other area where Australia actually outplayed us, and that’s probably one of your biggest weaknesses, is the aerial battle. They actually beat South Africa in the aerial battle; they got all the scraps, and from there they could play,” Matfield said on the Rugby Rivals podcast.
He added that the All Blacks really struggled under the high ball in all four Tests against South Africa.
Before the loss in Perth, the Boks had won three games in a row. They beat New Zealand in Cape Town, Soweto and Baltimore. Those wins gave them the first Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series title.
Matfield said South Africa won the big moments in that series. He said Rassie Erasmus’ team leaned on senior players who made the right calls under pressure.
“In the big moments, they didn’t make the right decisions, but I think there are a few guys coming back into the squad,” he said of New Zealand.
Matfield believes Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell will make a big difference on their return to the All Blacks. He said Barrett could have a massive impact at lock or at blindside flank.
“I know he was under a lot of pressure last year with the captaincy,” Matfield said of Barrett. He described Frizell as outstanding in the games he watched him play in Japan.
He also expects Richie Mo’unga to get a long run in the number 10 jersey. Mo’unga started in Baltimore, his first Test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
“The Japanese league is not quite at the same level as Test match rugby. So it will take him time just to get back into it, and it’s a great opportunity,” Matfield said.
Matfield said the Australian forwards stood up to the Boks, mainly in the first half. He said they struggled at scrum time once South Africa’s first-choice front row came on.
“Australia brought a lot of physicality, and they also have got a really big pack. So I think New Zealand will be tested physically,” he said.
Joseph Sua’ali’i was strong in the air against the Boks. He moved from centre to make his first start on the wing for Australia.
Coach Les Kiss could move the former rugby league player back to the midfield for Eden Park. Len Ikitau is in doubt and Hunter Paisami has been banned.
“It will be interesting to see if Suaalii is going to stay on the wing or if they will move him to that 13 jersey,” Matfield said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Planet Rugby. Image: Planet Rugby. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.