All Blacks prop explains plan to combat Springboks’ ‘bomb squad’ in World Cup final
Tamaiti Williams believes New Zealand can counter the impact of South Africa’s bench forwards
The All Blacks, according to New Zealand prop Tamaiti Williams, have what it takes to neutralize South Africa’s renowned bench “bomb squad” in the Rugby World Cup final.
Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, and RG Snyman all played significant roles in the Springboks’ tight five forwards’ effect, which was important in turning the tide of the semi-final match against England in their favor.
Similar effects came off the bench in South Africa’s triumph over New Zealand in the warm-up match. Jacques Nienaber brought on seven forwards at once to dominate the set-piece fight in the second half and secure the win.
But in the Rugby Championship matchup between the two countries earlier in the year, in which Williams made his debut, New Zealand fared significantly better.
The 144-pound prop is confident that his past performance will benefit him (if involved) and his teammates at the Stade de France on Saturday.
They clearly have a deep bench. The 23-year-old, who filled in for the injured loosehead in the second half of the semifinal triumph for the All Blacks over Argentina, asserted that they “do damage when they come on.”
It is about doing whatever the team needs us to do when we come off the bench, including [providing] energy with our voice, energy with our ball carrying, and energy with our set piece.
Although they are the subject of much discussion, we will keep our attention on ourselves and make sure we are prepared. We must be sure to have an impact when the bench comes on.
Since making an impression for the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific, the enormous Williams has risen swiftly.
Born in Whangarei, New Zealand’s northernmost city, he spent the majority of his childhood in Perth, Australia.
Williams, who started out as a loose forward but switched to prop later, is skilled enough to cover both sides of the front row.
And he is prepared for a substantial test this weekend on the largest platform in the sport.
Williams joked about the South African forwards, “They are massive.” Furthermore, they are cynical; if given the opportunity, they will seize it.
“Playing against them has been a terrific learning experience. We lost against them handily, and I had a good win against them.
“For us, cleanliness is everything. You must be physically equal to what they will bring. Everyone is aware of what they will bring, so our job is to stop it.
