A strong opening 40 minutes at altitude is arguably the final piece that the All Blacks will look to add to their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry puzzle when they take on the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
Following two strong victories over the Stormers and Sharks, the New Zealanders haven’t really hit the ground running in the first half, with head coach Dave Rennie lamenting their slow and error-filled starts.
They will have the opportunity to rectify that when they take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (7pm kick-off) in their last warm-up match ahead of the first Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park next weekend.
In both previous matches, strong performances in the final 20 minutes secured comfortable wins in the coastal clashes. However, the altitude is set to test the All Blacks differently, and it could also have an impact on their ability to start the game quickly.
There is no doubt that the Kiwis are aiming for high-tempo games in South Africa, and a strong start against the Bulls should bring their matches against the United Rugby Championship sides full circle.
After the 54-0 win over the Sharks on Tuesday, Rennie was a pleased man, but the coach is looking for a better first 40 minutes as he bemoaned the errors that disrupted their momentum.
Hooker Codie Taylor will return from injury and captain the side in Pretoria. Rennie kept six players who started against the Sharks and brought back a host of players who featured in the opener in Cape Town.
“This is also our final hit out before the first Test match against the Springboks, so it is an important game for us,” Rennie said.
“There is healthy competition for Test spots so another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection. The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years.
“Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead.”
All Blacks
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.
