Following relentless pressure from Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit during the second test, the All Blacks face mounting pressure to overhaul their forward pack and find an urgent lineout solution ahead of the weekend clash in Soweto, according to squad assessments. With 94,000 fans expected at FNB Stadium for what effectively serves as a series decider—given that a fourth match in Baltimore shifts the broader context—coaching staff are weighing heavy physical and mental player loads before finalizing changes.
Fixing the Lineout and Breakdown Struggles
The All Blacks’ set-piece execution requires immediate remediation after Etzebeth and du Toit disrupted their rhythm in the previous outing. Assistant coach Jason Ryan acknowledged the physical toll of consecutive 80-minute shifts carried by locks Fabian Holland and Tupou Vaa’i. Beyond the lineout, generating clean ruck speed remains a primary hurdle. According to team observations, the breakdown battle has stifled attacking fluency, preventing the visitors from establishing their preferred tempo against a suffocating Bok defence.
Squad Depth and Potential Lineup Changes
Head coach Dave Rennie has utilized 44 players across eight matches on this tour, keeping to his expectation of deploying at least 30 athletes throughout the four-test series. With the risk of fatigue mounting, rotation in the forward pack has become a necessity. Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord are expected to clear mandatory concussion protocols, though de Groot must still prove his recovery from a lingering knee ligament issue.
In the back row, Ryan noted that openside Luke Jacobson could be spelled after battling mild flu symptoms. Meanwhile, replacements Asafo Aumua and Peter Lakai have strengthened their cases for starting roles following dynamic impacts off the bench in previous matches. While Aumua’s lineout throwing remains an area of scrutiny, his destructive ball-carrying provides a compelling reason for inclusion. Backline combinations are expected to remain largely stable, leaving the forward selection as the primary lever for the coaching staff.
Managing the Mental and Physical Battery
Banishing midweek fixtures has allowed the touring squad to narrow their focus entirely on tactical adjustments. According to Ryan, the primary objective for the remaining days before kickoff involves mental freshness rather than physical conditioning. “We don’t need to concentrate on getting any fitter or stronger at this stage of the tour; we’ve just got to keep them mentally sharp and physically ready,” Ryan stated regarding the team’s training balance.
Did You Know? The upcoming clash at FNB Stadium in Soweto will draw a massive crowd of 94,000 spectators, making it one of the largest venues hosting the historic rivalry this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are changes expected for the third test?
Coaching staff must manage physical and mental loads after two bruising encounters, with several forwards logging back-to-back 80-minute performances and others managing illness or injuries.
Who is in contention to enter the starting XV?
Players like Peter Lakai and Asafo Aumua have pushed for starting spots with strong bench impacts, while props Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord work back toward full fitness.
How many players has Dave Rennie used on this tour?
Dave Rennie has utilized 44 players across eight matches, maintaining a rotation policy designed to test squad depth.
What do you think?
Can the All Blacks solve their lineout issues and level the series in Soweto? Drop a comment below and join the discussion, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly rugby analysis.