Can the Springboks beat the All Blacks?

I watched the All Blacks' game against the Lions last night, and the way they shift the ball is astonishing. I kept thinking they were going to start making mistakes or throw a bad pass, but it rarely happened. They move the ball with such accuracy and pace that holes in the opposition defence have to appear eventually. The Lions really turned it into an amazing spectacle, but the All Blacks stuck to the plan and scored the winning try in the last few minutes.

If the All Blacks are allowed to play the style of rugby that they want to play, I don't think anyone can beat them. I think most close watchers of the game will agree that the Springbok backline does not possess the skill set of the All Blacks.

The Springboks have their own brand of rugby that works. Powerful ball carriers that play a more direct style of rugby. Great fetchers all across the park. The Springboks milk penalties and punish you with accurate goal kickers. They chip away at defences until the dam wall breaks and then secure the game.

The purpose of scrum penalties should be to secure field position or kick at goal. The opposition teams are put under pressure by ruthless defence that affects pass accuracy.

On Saturday, the Springboks will have to do the basics a lot better. Carry better, ruck and go again at pace. They will never beat the All Blacks at their own game. Regain high kicks and get field position.

The All Blacks will run the Boks off their feet again if they don't hold onto the ball for longer.

Win "ugly". Springbok fans really don't care.

This tour needs a series draw, and the Springboks will have to be at their best and play "ugly" Springbok rugby.