All Blacks put on their running shoes ... but will Springboks give them any ball to play with?

Dave Rennie’s decision to start Peter Lakai and Asafo Aumua in New Zealand’s third Test against the Springboks highlights the All Blacks’ commitment to an aggressive, fast-paced running game. By adding dynamic loose-forward Peter Lakai and explosive hooker Asafo Aumua to the lineup, New Zealand aims to outmaneuver the Springboks with their superior mobility.

Aumua’s inclusion, replacing veteran Codie Taylor, emphasizes the Kiwis’ desire for a more fluid attack. While Taylor offers stability in the set pieces, Aumua brings a devastating ball-carrying threat, capable of breaking through the Springboks’ defense. Lakai, a 23-year-old from the Hurricanes, adds an extra dimension to the All Blacks’ front row with his exceptional ball skills and quick tempo.

The selection of Lakai suggests the New Zealand team’s intention to create more offloads and passes behind the scrum, disrupting the Springboks’ defensive line. By utilizing Lakai, Aumua, and Ardie Savea as mobile ball-distributors, the All Blacks hope to stretch South Africa’s defense, which has struggled when New Zealand has exploited the wide channels.

Bringing 2.03m lock Sam Darry into the second row provides the All Blacks with an athletic, mobile forward who can cover ground quickly and give the Springboks a different challenge at the lineout. However, the All Blacks risk sacrificing some raw power in the scrum against the Springbok forwards like Ox Nché and Wilco Louw, who have been instrumental in South Africa’s success.

Despite this, the Kiwis believe their agility and quick ball at collisions will allow them to bypass the Springboks’ line speed and create enough offensive firepower to replicate their attacking performance from the first Test at Ellis Park.