Former All Blacks forward James Parsons admits that the Springboks look ominously good ahead of the Rugby Championship which starts in August.
South Africa warmed up for the defence of their title with three comfortable victories during their mid-year series.
Although they came against weak opposition in Italy, who they beat twice, and Georgia, Parsons spotted something in their game which will make their rivals sit up and take notice.
Turning into cheerleading squad’
“I feel like we’re turning into a bit of a cheerleading squad for the Springboks, so I’ve tried to look for something fresh,” he said on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“If you look at all the other international sides, their (Springboks) dominant tackle stats are much higher defensively than anyone else, they have 15 per cent dominant tackles, which is really high.
If you look at the British and Irish Lions, Wallabies, All Blacks and the French at the weekend, you’re looking at under three per cent.
“It’s five times as much. They’re not always 15 per cent but over these three Tests, they’ve been between 10 and 15 per cent.”
Parsons ultimately believes that their collision dominance is hugely benefiting the playmakers, who are enjoying an easy ride with the platform they are afforded.
“It’s the basis of their game. The platform these game drivers are getting to play off is just immaculate,” he said.
“If they don’t get a turnover, the opposition is just going back and the opposition is not able to kick on their terms.
Georgia had 14 per cent lightning quick ball, that is brutal, you cannot win any game of rugby, you can’t even win in club rugby with that.
“Their defensive effort was more impressive for me. Turnover ball and fatiguing the opposition just sets these game drivers up on attack.
“They’re a street ahead already in terms of the defensive pressure the Springboks put on teams. It is hard to find a fault in them at the moment.”
Springboks depth
Head coach Rassie Erasmus once again used the mid-year series to build the depth of his squad and Parsons is currently struggling to see any weaknesses in their team.
“I feel like every position’s got so many options. They’ve got a depth and confidence throughout their squad like no other at the moment,” he added.
