Former Springbok Schalk Burger has identified attack as a persistent weakness in South Africa's game ahead of the third Test against New Zealand in Soweto on Saturday.
Speaking on the Verdict show, Burger pointed to concerning statistics from the second Test in Cape Town, where the All Blacks dominated possession, territory and running metres despite losing 33-26. New Zealand also outscored the hosts four tries to three, with Kolbe's three second-half penalties proving decisive rather than attacking prowess.
Burger attributed South Africa's victory to scoreboard pressure rather than territorial dominance, whilst fellow former Springbok Hanyani Shimange noted that New Zealand's statistical superiority came whilst chasing the game. Burger also criticised the All Blacks' defensive lapses in the opening minutes, suggesting they failed to counter predictable Springbok tactics.
Kurt-Lee Arendse acknowledged the defensive challenges posed by New Zealand's width, confirming the team had worked on preventing tries in the wide channels. The wing, who will earn his 34th cap at FNB Stadium for the first time, said the focus had shifted from studying opponents to internal improvement.
Kolbe will start at fullback in place of the injured Damian Willemse, with Arendse confident the positional switch would prove seamless given their previous combinations. The Springboks led by 10 points at half-time in Cape Town before conceding two second-half tries, raising questions about their ability to close out matches through attacking rugby rather than penalty goals alone.