By Adnaan Mohamed
The All Blacks have turned up the volume ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR), with the Bulls bearing the brunt of a 50-19 demolition at Loftus Versfeld.
New Zealand ran in eight tries in Pretoria on Saturday, producing their most complete performance of the South African tour to date and finishing their provincial warm-ups unbeaten.
It was a statement built on scrum power, breakdown brutality and attacking freedom. Josh Moorby, Leroy Carter and captain Codie Taylor all crossed twice as the All Blacks raced into a 24-0 halftime lead.
The Bulls eventually found some life, scoring three tries, yet New Zealand kept the scoreboard ticking like a taxi meter on a busy Saturday night.
For Dave Rennie, the performance offered useful clues ahead of next Saturday’s first Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg.
“50 points against a very good Bulls side is a positive,” Rennie said.
“We played a team that was prepared to play and really took it to us. I thought our set piece was strong, especially the scrum.”
The All Blacks created 11 line breaks to the Bulls’ one and showed improved discipline, giving Rennie plenty of selection headaches with his Test squad now taking shape.
“That certainly wasn’t our Test side tonight, and so there will be a number of changes,” he said.
“There were some really good performances that will put pressure on us from a selection point of view.”
Rennie also knows the Bulls were not a Test-strength opponent. The Pretoria side had not played since June and had limited preparation following their URC final appearance.
That reality explains why Rennie was quick to sound the brakes on the victory parade.
“What we know is that the intensity levels and the quality we’re going to come up against next week are three, four, or fivefolds, but we’ve played reasonably well on tour, and we know we need to up the ante.”
The All Blacks could welcome back Will Jordan and Cam Roigard, who have progressed from their respective injuries. Damian McKenzie remains a concern with an ankle problem, while Rennie hopes he can train on Tuesday.
New Zealand captain Codie Taylor delivered his own warning.
“No disrespect to the Bulls but they [the Springboks] will lift the tempo and physicality. That’s what Test match footy is all about. It’s an exciting week ahead.”
Loftus was the dress rehearsal. Ellis Park is where the curtain rises.
And the Boks have heard the warning bell.