Lack of contestables leaves doubt over All Blacks' Test readiness

The All Blacks have convincingly launched their Rugby's Greatest Rivalry campaign in South Africa, with emphatic victories over the Stormers (38–21), Sharks (54–0) and Bulls (50–19), signalling a return to form under coach Dave Rennie.

When moving the ball around they look as threatening as ever, and on defence they may be as close to impenetrable as any top-tier side. But there remains a question mark over how thoroughly the New Zealanders have been tested ahead of Saturday's Test against the Springboks.

Speaking on the Aotearoa Podcast, Blues centurion James Parsons said there had been a noticeable absence of contestable kicks from the provincial sides the All Blacks have faced so far. He said this could be "a message from above" about what to expect, adding that it would be unusual for the All Blacks to face fewer contestable kicks than anticipated once the first Test arrives. "It's such a big part of the Springboks' game," he said, referring to their tactic of forcing the opposition to run back and regather the ball.

Fellow presenter and Crusaders centurion Bryn Hall said: "That's the only thing that makes me slightly nervous" – meaning the kicking game typically associated with South African sides had been conspicuously absent so far. He said that over the past two years, the All Blacks' ability to contest the Springboks' high-ball game had proved to be a chink in their armour. The broken play this often produces has also put the All Blacks on the back foot.

"We haven't been able to win the scraps," Hall said. "We haven't been able to get transition attack from that. I think that is coming."

When it does come, he said, a Springbok kick-and-chase approach could lead to knock-ons and counter-ruck challenges for the All Blacks – but it could also present New Zealand with attacking opportunities, given how quickly they have shown they can pounce, Parsons added.

He warned, however, that unless New Zealand is prepared for the aerial contest, and if the Springboks gain confidence from finding the visitors wanting under the high ball, it could prove costly for the All Blacks. "If it starts poorly, it can get worse and worse and worse and lead to problems."

Coupled with "the noise and the atmosphere" of a packed Ellis Park, Saturday's clash on the Highveld "really can bellow down on you", Parsons said.