All Blacks got close and motivation is high for the rematch in Cape Town, says Ethan Blackadder
02 September 2024 - 16:07
by Nick Said
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New Zealand's Ethan Blackadder in action with South Africa's Aphelele Fassi. Picture: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
More clinical work at the breakdown and greater discipline are two of the keys to success for New Zealand flanker Ethan Blackadder as his side prepare to take on SA in a second Rugby Championship Test in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Springboks rallied from a 10-point deficit with 12 minutes remaining to defeat the All Blacks 31-27 in Johannesburg on Saturday. They are now chasing a fourth successive win over their greatest rivals for the first time since they claimed six victories in a row between 1937 and 1949.
Second-placed New Zealand need victory to keep their Rugby Championship hopes alive as they trail the Springboks by eight points on the table.
“We are disappointed we could not finish the job but we had a lot of fun out there. We are focusing on some small margins,” Blackadder said on Monday.
“We could not close it out the way we wanted to and that is our focus. We needed to keep playing footy. Whether it was through errors or discipline, they got back into the game and into our half. For us it is about nullifying that. To be squeaky clean and not letting them play the way they want to.
“We are excited because we know we were close in that game. The motivation is high to get it right this weekend.”
Blackadder believes protecting the ball on the floor will be vital for both teams. “The breakdown will be an important aspect, we need to take away their guys who can get over the ball. And then just finishing what we start. Two simple things but they will go a long way [to winning].”
There has been talk in recent times of reintroducing full tours between SA and New Zealand from 2026, with midweek matches against club teams and four Tests. Blackadder would relish the opportunity: “It would be wicked. It is such a good place to play rugby. As an international player this is where you want to be and the matches you want to be involved in.”
He concedes SA’s exit from Super Rugby to play club competitions in Europe has been keenly felt. “Generally everyone misses the SA games and tours [in Super Rugby]. It is gutting it hasn’t continued.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
New Zealand works on small margins to beat Boks
All Blacks got close and motivation is high for the rematch in Cape Town, says Ethan Blackadder
More clinical work at the breakdown and greater discipline are two of the keys to success for New Zealand flanker Ethan Blackadder as his side prepare to take on SA in a second Rugby Championship Test in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Springboks rallied from a 10-point deficit with 12 minutes remaining to defeat the All Blacks 31-27 in Johannesburg on Saturday. They are now chasing a fourth successive win over their greatest rivals for the first time since they claimed six victories in a row between 1937 and 1949.
Second-placed New Zealand need victory to keep their Rugby Championship hopes alive as they trail the Springboks by eight points on the table.
“We are disappointed we could not finish the job but we had a lot of fun out there. We are focusing on some small margins,” Blackadder said on Monday.
“We could not close it out the way we wanted to and that is our focus. We needed to keep playing footy. Whether it was through errors or discipline, they got back into the game and into our half. For us it is about nullifying that. To be squeaky clean and not letting them play the way they want to.
“We are excited because we know we were close in that game. The motivation is high to get it right this weekend.”
Blackadder believes protecting the ball on the floor will be vital for both teams. “The breakdown will be an important aspect, we need to take away their guys who can get over the ball. And then just finishing what we start. Two simple things but they will go a long way [to winning].”
There has been talk in recent times of reintroducing full tours between SA and New Zealand from 2026, with midweek matches against club teams and four Tests. Blackadder would relish the opportunity: “It would be wicked. It is such a good place to play rugby. As an international player this is where you want to be and the matches you want to be involved in.”
He concedes SA’s exit from Super Rugby to play club competitions in Europe has been keenly felt. “Generally everyone misses the SA games and tours [in Super Rugby]. It is gutting it hasn’t continued.”
Reuters
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