John Kirwan believes the Springboks are more likely to win the “critical moments” at Eden Park on Saturday than the All Blacks.
The All Blacks are desperate to protect their 50-match unbeaten record at the Auckland fortress dating back to 1994, while the Boks are aiming for their first victory at the venue since 1937.
The Boks won both Rugby Championship matches against the All Blacks in South Africa last year, but have not triumphed in New Zealand since 2018.
Kirwan highlighted the Boks’ composure in pressure situations compared to the All Blacks’ inconsistency in recent Tests, including a loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires.
MORE: Boks lose hooker, call up scrumhalf
“The series last year was amazing, but South Africa won the critical moments,” the former All Blacks wing told the Rivals podcast. “There was a critical moment against Argentina as well. Don’t get me wrong, [the Pumas] deserved to win, but that lineout was key.
“My biggest concern is just the critical moments. South Africa have this really clear understanding of what they are going to do when they’re under pressure – work for a penalty, kick you into the corner, maul, pick-and-go. That’s their DNA.
“What did we do? Gave away a couple of penalties and let them do that. So the maturity of this All Blacks side is going to be really evident at Eden Park because we’re going to have to win the critical moments.”
ALSO: Razor braces for Bok storm at fortress Eden Park
Kirwan predicted another thriller in Auckland, with little between the teams.
“It’s going to come down to three points. It’s not going to be a blowout. It’s going to be an amazing Test match,” he said. “What concerns me is New Zealand don’t have that same confidence in those big moments right now, and South Africa do.”
PLUS: 10 of the best Bok wins against All Blacks
Meanwhile, former Bok lock Victor Matfield said the world champions are in for one of the toughest challenges in rugby but believes they will be ready.
“You never arrive in New Zealand as favourites. The All Blacks are always favourites, especially when you play at Eden Park – it’s going to be a massive Test match,” he said.
READ: History beckons for Boks in Auckland
“I think the Boks needed this. After that first Australian game, it threw all the plans out. Normally everything just works, but now they had to take a step back. We had this grind of a win, and now we can go back to developing the game and going forward.”
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
