FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Scott Barrett reacts REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - New Zealand have focussed on gaining more control in the closing stages of the match and not giving opponents South Africa any easy entries into their 22 in their Rugby Championship test in Cape Town on Saturday, according to captain Scott Barrett.
Around 50 supporters were on hand to watch New Zealand go through their final training session on Friday and while the mood among the players appeared jovial, Barrett admitted there was “plenty of hurt” after their 31-27 loss to the Springboks last weekend.
The All Blacks led by 10 points with 12 minutes to go at Ellis Park, but could not hold on against a resurgent home side.
“We have had a good week and we are ready to go,” Barrett told reporters. “We have highlighted (finishing the game well) and it has been a big area of focus this week. We gave them some easy entries into our 22.”
New Zealand have made four changes, including dropping fullback Beauden Barrett, one of three brothers in the match-day 23, and scrumhalf TJ Perenara to the bench.
“Nothing has changed, the coaches have selected the best team to do the job,” Scott Barrett said. “He (Beauden) is a little bit disappointed not to be in the starting XV but he will play his part coming off the bench.”
Another change sees Wallace Sititi come in at blindside flanker.
“Wallace has been great, he brings a lot of energy to that position. We are looking forward to seeing how he goes,” skipper Barrett said.
South Africa have brought back flyhalf Handre Pollard and fullback Willie le Roux, which suggests they might revert to a kicking game in the heavier conditions in Cape Town that do not always make for running rugby.
“No two tests are the same and the South Africans will have adapted their strategy, so we must be ready,” Barrett said. “It might be a kicking battle. Our back three will be ready for that.”
South Africa lead the Rugby Championship table with 14 points after three rounds, ahead of second-placed New Zealand on six.
(Editing by Toby Davis)
