While the All Blacks have played the victims of the Springboks’ aerial assault in the buildup to the second Test between the sides at Ellis Park, a recent study has shown New Zealand’s own disciplinary record to be far worse than their opponents’.

In the immediate aftermath of the Springboks’ 26-10 victory over New Zealand at Mbombela Stadium, All Blacks head coach Ian Foster launched a scathing attack on South Africa’s kicking tactics.

The Springboks put the All Blacks under immense pressure using the aerial game, which led to an early try for wing Kurt-Lee Arendse.

However, Arendse was red-carded late in the match after a heavy collision with Beauden Barrett in the air and the Bok wing subsequently received a four-match ban.

On Sunday, Foster was seething about the Bok kicking game, claiming he had “massive concerns” over the challenge, and that it was “probably the worst I’ve seen” while also stating that the aerial battle had become a “free for all.”

MORE: Barrett feared the worst after ‘scary’ collision

On Wednesday, Barrett spoke to media in detail about the collision, saying he “feared the worst” after landing dangerously on his neck.

However, while the All Blacks are clearly trying to influence the officials for the rematch with the Springboks in Johannesburg, a recent study by TheFacts.co.nz shows that the visitors should be far more concerned with their own lack of discipline.

According to the study, in All Blacks matches between June 2012 and the third Test loss to Ireland, the New Zealand side averaged a card every two matches, while being shown 50% more yellow cards than their opponents.

Following Angus Ta’avao’s red card against Ireland, New Zealand have now received a red card every year for four years in a row.

The 10-year period studied included 130 games. There was a card shown in 72 of these games, which is more than half.

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