Ex-Wallaby exposes All Blacks’ soft spot

Former Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley believes the All Blacks have given the Springboks a clear target ahead of Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener at Ellis Park.

While Dave Rennie’s side have impressed with their attacking play during wins over the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls, Foley believes their set-piece defence has shown signs of vulnerability.

“They look so dangerous when they are able to get that quick recycle, that ball in behind, especially on counter,” Foley said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts show.

“What Dave Rennie is trying to do is very structured around counter and turnover plays. So I thought they’re starting to attack well, but there are probably a few moments where they looked a little bit vulnerable off their set-piece defence.”

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The former flyhalf believes that could prove costly against a Springbok side renowned for its ability to apply pressure through the set-piece.

Foley expects the All Blacks to continue with the attacking approach they have developed under Rennie, even against South Africa’s famed rush defence.

“They’ll definitely try. That’s what they’re trying to build in terms of Dave Rennie’s style of attack, to play those layers, play that depth and be able to bring their attacking flair into the picture,” he said.

“And that’s going to be the challenge, isn’t it? How they do it against such a rush and such a blitz that South Africa are going to bring.”

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Foley ultimately backed the Springboks to win the four-Test series 3-1.

“Their set-piece battle is probably going to set them up,” he added. “New Zealand have matched it there, but they’re looking a little bit vulnerable in their set-piece defence and they’ve given up a couple of tries in these early matches that I’m sure South Africa will be targeting.”

Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images

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