Springbok assistant coach Daan Human has deflected scrum controversy ahead of Saturday's third Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, while the squad targets a performance worthy of a near-capacity Johannesburg crowd in their final home Test of the year.
With up to 90,000 supporters expected at the iconic venue — up from the 56,000 who attended last weekend's second Test in Cape Town — Human is eager to deliver on home soil. "South Africa has incredible support and we don't want to disappoint our supporters. They stand behind us, and we'd like to give back to them."
Much of the pre-match discourse has centred on the Bok scrum and how it is refereed, but Human was firm in his defence of both the officiating and his own coaching. He praised referee Angus Gardner's consistency in Cape Town and said he has no interest in relitigating last week's calls. "What he called for us, he called for them. It was the same story." This weekend brings a new referee, and Human's approach is straightforward: adapt to whatever that official requires.
On suggestions that the Boks deliberately walk around in the scrum, the former prop was categorical. "I can assure you, I have never coached that. We want to go forward, not walk around. Walking around is not ideal for us because it doesn't give us forward momentum, which is what we want."
Human also stressed that the Bok preparation remains predominantly self-focused. "Honestly, 80% to 90% of our concentration and work is focused on ourselves, and getting better — not just for this game but going forward."
Lock Ruan Nortje, set to partner Eben Etzebeth in the second row for a third consecutive Test, described the camp atmosphere as settled and purposeful. "The vibe has been really good. Every week is a Test week — it's all about sticking to our processes and working hard."
Nortje was measured in his assessment of last week's lineout, acknowledging the positive execution while insisting the unit is already working to improve. "We were happy with how the lineouts went, but this is a new week. We've put in a lot of effort since Sunday working out what we want to do."