Matches between South Africa and New Zealand tend to be close, and not having a recognised goalkicker on Saturday could cost the Springboks, according to GAVIN RICH.
Despite picking a largely tried-and-tested lineup for the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks in Auckland, the Boks have opted not to elect an out-and-out goalkicker.
Manie Libbok took the responsibility in his first Test start last week against Australia, but is on the bench against the Kiwis.
The Boks opted to float the kicking between Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk during the 2022 November tour; the tactic backfired in the 19-16 loss to Ireland in Dublin, although produced better results in a 30-26 defeat to France.
The trio will start on Saturday, yet it was surprising to hear coach Jacques Nienaber this week admit that the Boks had not yet settled on a goalkicker to tackle the All Blacks.
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Writing for SuperSport.com, Rich highlights the folly of not earmarking a Bok player with a trusty boot in front of the posts, especially with Handre Pollard sidelined.
“It is hard to remember a World Cup-winning team that did not have a recognised and accomplished regular first-choice goalkicker,” Rich writes.
“And while the trio of players being relied on at Mount Smart [Stadium] all got it right in later games of the last November tour, it was effectively the erratic kicking that cost the Boks their opening game against the world No 1 team, Ireland.
“At a World Cup, where the bragging rights for four years are on the line in the clutch games, it becomes even more important to have a recognised kicker who is experienced in shouldering massive responsibilities.
“Games between the Boks and the All Blacks tend to be close, and kicking from the tee is often the difference between winning and losing.”
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