Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he has not yet studied the All Blacks squad in detail ahead of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, but several selection decisions by Dave Rennie immediately caught his attention.
Speaking to reporters three weeks out from the first Test, Erasmus singled out New Zealand's decision to select only three scrumhalves to cover four Tests and four franchise fixtures. "The three scrumhalves will more or less always be in the mix," Erasmus said, suggesting the workload across the tour could stretch Rennie's resources.
The Springboks coach also addressed the absence of All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, who will miss the opening fixtures of the tour. Savea is expected to arrive in South Africa 10 days before the Test series begins and will be rested during the early franchise matches. "I've heard that Ardie Savea will not be in the squad for the first couple of games, so the question can be answered like that," Erasmus said. "He'll be match-fit if he rests now for two weeks."
Codie Taylor will captain the All Blacks in Savea's absence during the opening weeks of the tour. The flanker remains central to Rennie's plans and is expected to feature in all four Tests once he joins the squad.
The upcoming series has been billed as a clash between contrasting rugby philosophies. Under Erasmus, the Springboks have delivered back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles and consecutive Rugby Championship crowns through a relentless blend of physicality, tactical kicking and set-piece dominance. Meanwhile, New Zealand have rediscovered their attacking DNA under Rennie, playing with greater width, increased tempo and confidence in their instinctive running game.
Erasmus was reluctant to read too much into either side's approach this far out from the opening Test. "It's difficult to say now, I mean, being three weeks out from the first match," he said.