'It would be unbelievably boring if everybody played with the same' - Nienaber

Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has defended the South African playing style saying that rugby would be boring if all teams played the same.

The Springboks' approach to the game has come under fire from the Home Nations and New Zealand press during and since their 2-1 series triumph over the British & Irish Lions. 

He also cited the three playing styles the Springboks needed to adapt to in the 2019 Rugby World Cup play-offs in order to win the tournament.

"The beauty of rugby is that there are different styles to win. It would be unbelievably boring if everybody played with the same style," Nienaber said.

"Different styles means there are different tactics. If you look at the World Cup, for instance, we played the most attacking branded side (Japan) in the quarter-finals.

"We then had to change our whole system playing against a team (Wales) with a massive kicking game in the semi-finals. We had to make plans to outsmart them.

"We then had to play an England side with a very balanced approach. We had to play against three different brands.

“I don’t think there is one specific style and style gets determined by the athletic attributes of the players. New Zealand will have certain athletic attributes in their athletes and they will create a game plan to amplify those characteristics of those players. We will have a different set and to amplify our athletic abilities - just like Japan has different abilities.

“Playing styles differ because the athletes differ.” Nienaber added.