Where the Springboks can gain the upper hand against the All Blacks at Ellis Park

The Springboks face their toughest challenge of the season when they take on the All Blacks at Ellis Park, with the match set to begin at 5:10 PM. The Boks have previously defeated England, Scotland, and Wales in the Nations Championship at home, but the New Zealanders will pose a different challenge. The Kiwis are expected to be physically dominant and look to outmuscle the Springboks in key areas.

To gain the upper hand, the Boks could focus on early momentum by pushing for an early scrum, which they have attempted in the past. With two additional scrummaging looseheads and a replacement tighthead on the bench, the Boks will be ready to apply pressure throughout the match. Ruan Norté, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Eben Etzebeth can be valuable assets for the Boks following powerful rolling mauls.

Accurate kicking is essential for the Boks to display their aerial superiority and create scoring opportunities. However, they will need to be wary of winger Will Jordan, one of the best high-ball players in the world. The Boks have a strong game plan with players like Jasper Wiese, Eben Etzebeth, Marx, and Pieter-Steph du Toit who can cause chaos around the breakdown and in loose play.

They will need to be strategic when carrying the ball into contact, as the All Blacks possess excellent fetchers and will be physically up for the challenge. Smart ball-carrying without getting isolated could prove to be crucial for the Springboks.