All Blacks just too predictable
August 9, 2001

Burly Springbok lock Johan Ackermann believes Australia will take advantage of New Zealand's predictability and cause a major upset at Carisbrook in Dunedin on Saturday, according to a report in Thursday's Cape Times.

"I think Australia will win," the Cats player is quoted as saying. "The All Blacks are more predictable than they are. New Zealand are always physical. You know they will drive and use Jonah Lomu and Tana Umaga.

"Australia just have so many options, with players like Joe Roff, Owen Finegan, Daniel Herbert and Toutai Kefu. The one moment they can take it up and the next play it wide. Stephen Larkham can come back and then they have more options to play off him."

The 31-year-old Ackermann, who hails from Benoni, believes the All Blacks are yet to find a balanced tight five that can dominate in the tight phases.

"It starts with the front rows. After Olo Brown, Sean Fitzpatrick and Craig Dowd they have had individually good players," says Ackermann in the article.

"I think Anton Oliver is brilliant. They're just lacking combinations, but they're still an excellent team,"

Ackerman, who was at his imposing best in the Springboks 20-15 victory over Australia a fortnight ago, also says he thinks the All Black selectors have erred in picking Troy Flavell to partner Norm Maxwell at lock.

"I think one of Chris Jack and Glenn Taylor is the right men to partner Norm Maxwell," he says.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices