EXCLUSIVE: Omar Mouneimne analyses the Springboks' defensive structure
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Professional defence coach Omar Mouneimne has taken a look at the Springboks' defence and what makes it so effective.
During the Springboks' successful Rugby Championship, Rassie Erasmus' side effectively implemented an outstanding rush defence that led them to their first-ever Rugby Championship title, since Argentina joined the competition.
The Springboks had the second most tackles completed, most dominant hits, equal turnovers forced and conceeded just 1.3 tries a game.
Although the Springboks went down in their opening Rugby World Cup game, their Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup warm up form shows that they are still contenders for the Rugby World Cup, especially if they can suffocate side's with their defence.
So what is special about the Springboks' defence?
Jacques Nienaber has implemented a massive line speed that cuts off playmaking options. Every time the opposition look to get the ball wide, the Springboks' centres get in the passing lanes and force the opposition to cut back in field.
First example | Preventing the attack from going wide
Kieran Read gets shut down quickly by the onrushing Springbok centres:
Right after this phase, the All Blacks go back again as Cheslin Kolbe catches them behind the gainline.
Second example | Forcing the attack in field
The dominant hit from Pieter-Steph du Toit and Handre Pollard. As Argentina look to go wide again, Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am are in the passing lanes to cut off the threat and force Sanchez to go back infield.
Example three | Forcing errors
The All Blacks gain a bit of ground through Goodhue but the shoot up by de Allende and again another quick shoot up on the next phase cuts out the passing lanes for the All Blacks and despite Mo'unga looking as if he may slice through the defence, he is hurried and a knock on occurs.
Conclusion
"The crux of the Springboks defence is that is fast, physical, in your face, it's willing to take risks and those are the toughest to play against."
INCASE YOU MISSED IT: Omar also had a look at the duel between modern attack and modern defence
