Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers says the All Blacks 'may be ripe for the picking' this year.
De Villiers won five of his 11 Tests against New Zealand during his four-year stint as Bok coach, including all three matches in 2009.
In his column for KweséSports, he said he had spotted a weakness in New Zealand rugby in Super Rugby this season that the Boks could exploit in the Rugby Championship.
'Looking at Super Rugby, the All Blacks may be ripe for the picking in 2017 unless they improve their discipline.
'The All Blacks were the leaders in how they handled the off-the-ball situations, the little scuffles. They never let opponents get under their skin. But in this year’s Super Rugby competition it’s been quite noticeable to see how easy they can be drawn into things off the ball that have nothing to do with the game.'
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De Villiers added that the All Blacks had 'always been masters in getting under the opposition’s skin' and were difficult to beat because they didn't get yellow cards for indiscipline.
'But with the All Blacks saying goodbye to a few leaders over the last few years (Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith), and if what I see and perceive is true, then the way to try and beat them is by intimidation, while focusing on keeping your own discipline.'
Photo: Anesh Debiky/AFP Photo
