All Blacks know their defence is set for a tough outing against the Springboks

All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga admitted on Wednesday that his side’s defence still has room for improvement, just days before New Zealand face the world champion Springboks in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, Umaga reflected on the All Blacks’ defensive record across their opening three tour matches, where they have conceded just six tries (they’ve scored 22), and explained why that number alone does not tell the full story.

“We’re happy with where we are, but we’re not content,” Umaga admitted, adding that his side knows there is more work to do.

ALL BLACKS KNOW WHAT TO IMPROVE ON

The 74-cap All Black turned coach explained that certain areas had slipped slightly compared to their performances against France (34-32), Italy (47-17) and Ireland (40-21) during the Nations Championship in July. Still, Umaga was confident those issues could be fixed before kick-off on Saturday.

Many of those desired quick-fixes, Umaga explained, starts with handling South Africa’s physical forward pack.

“The size of their pack and just their relentless wave,” he said, will test the All Blacks significantly.

But he was quick to add that defenders cannot afford to focus solely on that threat. South Africa’s ability to shift attention out wide complicates matters considerably. Managing both threats at once, Umaga said, will require a disciplined 80-minute display from his players.

KIWIS AND SAFFAS ON EQUAL FOOTING

Additionally, Umaga dismissed any suggestion that the All Blacks’ extra match practice (three tour games) hands them decisive edge over the Springboks, who had just one Test against Argentina.

“I don’t think there’s much advantage in us having more games,” Umaga said, pointing to South Africa’s settled squad and years of experience playing together as a group.

Umaga suggested both sides will head to the Ellis Park showdown on fairly equal footing overall, and that whatever advantage either side holds will be decided out on the field.