Cape Town - Former All Black coach John Hart believes the current Springbok team plays differently compared to teams in the past.
Hart, who was the All Blacks’ coach when they won their first - and only - series in South Africa in 1996, spoke exclusively to Sport24 this week.
Hart, who coached New Zealand between 1996 and 1999, has been keeping an eye on proceedings in the Rugby Championship and has noted something different in the current Springbok side.
“I think the current South African team looks very interesting. They are different from past Springbok sides in the sense that they are going for more mobility, particularly with Siya Kolisi and Jaco Kriel playing on the flanks. It also seems as though they have a conditioning programme, which is more attuned to playing a high speed game. In the past, Springbok teams traditionally relied heavily on their physical presence and dominance. However, the oval-shaped game has advanced. The current team still make use of their physicality, but they have looked to use the ball more. The Boks are certainly after more mobility and their players look fitter,” Hart said.
CLICK HERE to read John Hart’s full interview with Sport24