Springboks say their set-pieces still have room to improve

The Springboks acknowledged that their set-pieces, including scrum penalties, lineouts, and mauls, still have room for improvement despite the hard work invested in training. Assistant coach Deon Davids made this statement ahead of Saturday's fourth and final Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore. The Springboks currently hold a 2-1 lead in the series after victories in Cape Town and FNB Stadium, where the forward dominance ultimately led to their successes.

Referee Nika Amashukeli ruled in favor of the Springboks in the second Test due to Andrew Gardner's refusal to referee the scrums. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie conceded the Boks had legally executed their scrums better than them, promising to continue refining the set-piece before the final match in Baltimore. Davids emphasized that the Springboks never consider themselves the final product and constantly evaluate their systems, individual effort, and overall pack performance.

He praised the hookers and lineout jumpers for securing all lineouts, even with windy conditions. Eighthman Jasper Wiese was lauded for epitomizing what being a Springbok means, citing his physicality, work ethic, leadership, and ability to mentor younger players. Davids expressed his honor in coaching Wiese and emphasized his significant role in the team's future.

The Springboks' coach also reflected on the historical significance of coaching the All Blacks, drawing from his own experiences as a high school PE teacher growing up in a house filled with rugby enthusiasts in Bredasdorp. He recalled the intense rivalry during games between friends and family supporting both teams during South Africa's Apartheid era, which shaped his perspective on the sport.

Coaching the All Blacks represents a wonderful privilege for Davids, highlighting the teams' ability to inspire each other and the special nature of this final clash in the series.