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Ex All black people on the outside of the back Israel Dagg highlighted several issues with the ongoing high ball issues that have plagued Dave Rennie’s side following their 3-1 series defeat to the Springboks.
The All Blacks’ 43-28 loss in Baltimore, their third straight loss to Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks, highlighted several recurring problems.
While the scrum improved during the fourth Test in Baltimore, the All Blacks’ lack of ball-in-hand execution and discipline continued to haunt Rennie’s side.
But it is the aerial contest, the Springboks’ key strength, where the All Blacks have arguably been the most problematic throughout 2026.
Former All Black, who hosts a breakfast radio show Sport Nation NZ with Scotty Stevenson, believes the Kiwis need to adapt their new strategy.
“We’re just here to talk about where we can probably secure some things for AB; the high ball is still a concern, we talked about that last week,” Dagg said Sports Nation.
“We knew they weren’t going to make any changes, and they went at it again. I just think it’s time to go back to the old tradition, the guy in the backfield just dominates, put a name to it and just stand up because at least you give yourself a chance.
“What South Africa In that game, they knew the All Blacks’ game plan was for the running guy to catch him, so they actually work short. They actually set it up about 15 meters, maybe 18 meters, and they would allow their hunters to stand up.”
Dagg explained that not only does their strategy work, but they have players who can help implement those specific adjustments.
“Ethan Hooker, he’s very, very good at running after the ball, and he dominates that space. So I think it’s probably time for them to make those adjustments, make those changes and go back to how the backcourt guy comes forward, gets up, puts a name to it, dominates the space and just makes it a real contest.
“I just think it’s time.”
The former 66-Test All Black, who had an incredible 91 per cent win rate during his Test career, explained why he feels the attacking form “gives us a lot of problems”.
“Our shape is great, and I love our shape when it works. That Will Jordan the attempt was a prime example. Back, forward, interplay,” Dagg said.
“But I think our form gives us a lot of problems at times. And the reason why it’s so good. He looks great, but there’s a lot of recovery passes with him, and when you throw those big recovery passes, South Africa defended very well on the edge; Jesse Kriel, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, they’d come out on the outside.
“The All Blacks would see them shoot and they’d pull back or throw that recovery pass. Now I think you have to be brave and from my time playing, it’s just taking that extra step so the defender has to get really far outside the back line to catch you and that will allow you to put the ball into space.
“But when you throw that pass over him, that’s what he wants you to do. He wants you to throw that big recovery pass so he can get out and make the tackle. So I think there was an opportunity to probably kick from that second phase. It was a great example when Anton Lienert-Brown dropped right in front.
“Those are the capabilities that that defense system gives you.”