All Blacks a ‘complete’ team, says Boks’ Felix Jones

The Springboks are gearing up to face what assistant coach Felix Jones calls a “complete” All Blacks team in the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday night.

The All Blacks have come a long way in just over a year and a half after they went on a dreadful run of five losses in six matches that saw coach Ian Foster almost losing his job.

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However, a win over the Boks at Ellis Park in the Rugby Championship last year sparked an unbeaten run of 10 wins and a draw, which was ended by the Boks with their record 35-7 win at Twickenham just before the World Cup.

Although the All Blacks then lost their World Cup opener 27-13 to France, they have since bounced back to cruise through their pool, beat Ireland 28-24 in the quarters and thrash Argentina 44-6 in the semis to head into the final with plenty of momentum.

Jones highlights the introduction of former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and forwards coach Jason Ryan last year as a turning point for the team.

“With the introduction of Joe and Jason Ryan, there have been many good developments in their game. Not just one area, if I had to highlight one I would say the ruck, it has been excellent. They do appear to be a very complete team,” said Jones.

“There has been development in their kicking game, the way they put you under pressure, not only with their passing game but their ability to also use the ball off of their foot. I would say those two areas would be key.”

Massive final

It is set to be a massive final with the Boks and All Blacks the most successful rugby sides in World Cup history, having lifted the Webb Ellis Cup on three occasions each, and it is also arguably the biggest rivalry in world rugby, with Jones admitting that it adds to the excitement.

“I don’t think it’s something that’s been thrown around too much early in the week. But I think everyone has it in their mind, they are conscious of the rivalry,” admitted Jones.

“They are conscious this is another time we will meet New Zealand in the final. It drives excitement and it adds to the occasion.”

A number of coaches will be leaving from both sides after the final on Saturday, including Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber and All Blacks head coach Foster, while Jones will be leaving to join England, however he says they have put the focus squarely on the players.

“I don’t think emotion is coming into it too much. We are just hugely excited because of the game and there’s plenty of players on both sides where it might be their last ever game for South Africa or New Zealand,” said Jones.

“It might be their last ever game so the coaches are taking a bit of a back seat there and focussing on the players and making sure the team vibe or team atmosphere is correct.”