Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has made a bold prediction about the upcoming rugby series between South Africa and New Zealand, the so-called 'Greatest Rivalry Tour'. In a recent podcast appearance, Kitshoff believes that South Africa will emerge victorious with a 3-1 series win over the All Blacks.
What makes this prediction particularly intriguing is Kitshoff's reasoning. He highlights the length of the tour, which includes mid-week games against South African URC clubs and four Tests against the Springboks. This extended period of play, according to Kitshoff, will take a toll on the All Blacks' energy and performance.
Kitshoff argues that the All Blacks' 44-man squad and Erasmus' strategy of using numerous players during the Nations Championships in July might not be enough to sustain their performance throughout the tour. He suggests that the All Blacks will face challenges in maintaining their intensity and focus, especially in the later stages of the tour.
The former prop emphasizes the importance of the first few Tests for New Zealand. If they fail to secure wins in the initial matches, South Africa will exert significant pressure on them towards the end of the series. Kitshoff acknowledges that the All Blacks have the capability to withstand this initial onslaught, but he remains confident that South Africa will ultimately prevail.
In his analysis, Kitshoff also mentions the potential impact of the 'Baltimore test' (presumably referring to a specific match) on the series outcome. He suggests that the series might end 2-1 in favor of South Africa, with the final Test being crucial.
Kitshoff's prediction is not just a mere guess but is backed by his understanding of the game and the dynamics between these two rugby powerhouses. His insights provide a fascinating perspective on the upcoming series, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
