Israel Dagg, former All Blacks fullback, believes that a change in the All Blacks' kicking approach was a key factor in their victory over the Sharks on Tuesday. In difficult conditions, New Zealand were forced to kick more than they would like, but it paid off as they hammered the Sharks.
Dagg, now a rugby analyst, noted that the All Blacks' tactical kicking was different from their usual style, which could confuse Springboks analysts ahead of their upcoming matches. He highlighted that the team's ability to adapt to the conditions and execute a more kicking-oriented game plan was crucial.
The match, which took place on August 11, 2026, saw the All Blacks secure a convincing win, with the final score being 42-17. The Springboks are set to face the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship later this month, and analysts are now studying the new kicking strategy.
Dagg's comments were made on a rugby podcast, where he discussed the tactical nuances of the game. He emphasized that the All Blacks' willingness to change their approach based on conditions shows their tactical flexibility, which will be a challenge for the Springboks to counter.
