Kieran Read Calls for All Blacks 6-2 Split Ahead of Third Test

The All Blacks face a huge challenge in their third Test against the Springboks after South Africa fought back to level the series at 1-1.

New Zealand opened the rivalry with a convincing 33-16 victory, but the Springboks responded in Cape Town with a 33-26 win. With the next Test taking place in Soweto, former All Blacks captain Kieran Read believes New Zealand should consider a few tactical changes rather than completely rebuilding its match-day squad.

The biggest suggestion from Read is a move towards a 6-2 bench split. That would give Dave Rennie six forwards and only two backs among his replacements, placing greater emphasis on forward power during the later stages of the match.

Read also identified several players who could strengthen New Zealand's options, including Sam Darry, Peter Lakai and Ethan Blackadder.

Read Backs a 6-2 Bench Plan Against the Springboks

A 6-2 bench would be a significant tactical decision for the All Blacks, but Read believes the situation could justify taking that risk.

South Africa have built much of their recent success around a powerful forward group and the ability to introduce fresh forwards as the game develops. Read feels New Zealand could benefit from adopting a similar approach for this important Test.

The former captain is not calling for major changes throughout the squad. Instead, his argument is that a small number of carefully selected additions could give the All Blacks more strength when the match reaches its final stages.

A forward-heavy bench could allow New Zealand to maintain intensity at the breakdown, scrum and lineout while also helping them cope with the physical demands of playing South Africa.

New Zealand Could Turn to Sam Darry for Extra Set-Piece Strength

One of Read's most interesting suggestions is Sam Darry.

The lock could provide an additional option for New Zealand because of his ability in the air

Winning the first ball after a kick-off can make a major difference. It gives a team the chance to establish possession rather than immediately defending another attacking phase.

For the All Blacks, that could also improve their ability to move the ball safely out of difficult areas.

Darry's potential inclusion therefore goes beyond simply adding another forward. His aerial ability could influence New Zealand's entire set-piece and exit strategy.

All Blacks’ Exit Game Comes Under the Spotlight

The All Blacks' exit game is another area Read believes deserves attention before the third Test. 

South Africa can put enormous pressure on opponents through territorial kicking, especially when they manage to force the opposition deep inside its own half. New Zealand
therefore needs to be more reliable when turning defensive possession into field position.

Read's argument for Darry is partly connected to this issue. If New Zealand can win the ball from kick-offs and then execute its exit cleanly, it can reduce the amount of time spent defending in dangerous positions.

Small improvements in these areas could become important in what is expected to be another closely contested Test.

Tupou Vaa’i Could Provide Another Option in the Back Row

Tupou Vaa’i is another player who could give Rennie some flexibility.

Read suggested that Fabian Holland and Sam Darry could potentially be used together, while Vaa’i could move into a different role in the back row if the coaching staff decided to experiment with the combination.

Such a move would give the All Blacks another way of balancing their forwards without completely disrupting the existing structure.

Vaa’i's versatility could become especially useful if New Zealand opts for a forward-heavy bench. Rather than relying on players in only one position, Rennie could have several forwards capable of covering different roles as the match develops.

That kind of flexibility can be valuable against the Springboks, particularly during the final quarter when fatigue begins to affect both teams.

Read Weighs Up Fabian Holland and Other Forward Choices

Fabian Holland is another player Read rates highly.

The former captain believes Holland has done enough to remain an important part of the All Blacks' 23. Removing a player of his quality simply to make room for another option would not be an easy decision. 

That leaves Rennie with an interesting selection puzzle.

New Zealand has several strong forwards available, but the challenge is finding the right combination rather than simply selecting as many powerful players as possible.

The front row also gives the coaching staff some flexibility because the available players can be rotated during the match. That could make it easier to carry additional forwards on the bench without placing excessive demands on individual players.

Peter Lakai and Ethan Blackadder Among Read’s Selection Ideas

Read also mentioned Peter Lakai and Ethan Blackadder when discussing possible changes to the All Blacks' loose-forward group.

Lakai is a player Read particularly rates and believes could benefit from greater involvement. Giving him more time could allow his strengths to have a bigger impact as the match progresses.

Blackadder is another option. Read suggested that he could come into the match-day squad and potentially take on a starting role.

These suggestions show that Read is not simply looking for more size. He is considering how different players could change the balance of the team.

With the Springboks expected to challenge New Zealand physically, the All Blacks need forwards who can maintain their work rate while also contributing when the game opens up.

Why a 6-2 Split Could Give New Zealand More Firepower

The main attraction of a 6-2 split is obvious: it gives the All Blacks an extra forward replacement.

Against a physically demanding Springboks team, that could become a major advantage late in the contest.

Fresh forwards can add energy to the scrum, breakdown and defensive effort. They can also help New Zealand maintain its physical level when the starting pack begins to tire.

South Africa have frequently made their bench strength part of their match strategy, so matching that approach could prevent the Springboks from gaining a late advantage.

However, the decision would require confidence in the remaining backline cover.

Cam Roigard’s Role Makes the 6-2 Strategy Possible

Cam Roigard is central to the argument for using six forwards on the bench.

Read believes Roigard is unlikely to leave the field for a long period, meaning New Zealand could potentially afford to carry fewer backline replacements.

That gives Rennie an opportunity to put another forward on the bench without completely leaving the backs without cover.

Other players could also provide emergency assistance if injuries forced a reshuffle.

The strategy therefore depends heavily on how confident the All Blacks are in their existing backline and Roigard's ability to remain on the field for most of the match.

If that plan works, the extra forward could provide valuable impact during the closing stages.

The Big Risk Behind an All Blacks 6-2 Bench

There is, however, a clear danger attached to the 6-2 approach.

If New Zealand suffers multiple injuries among its backs, the team could quickly find itself short of specialist cover.

That is why a 6-2 bench is considered a bold decision rather than a straightforward tactical adjustment.

The risk becomes even greater if the match develops into an open contest with both teams attacking from deep positions. In that type of game, backline players can be placed under enormous physical demands.

Read acknowledged that the decision carries a significant risk, but he believes the potential reward could make it worthwhile against South Africa.

Read Wants New Zealand to Match South Africa’s Physical Approach

One of the biggest themes behind Read's recommendation is physicality.

The Springboks have built a reputation for using their forwards to control territory, create pressure and wear down opponents. Their replacement forwards can then help maintain that intensity when the starting players begin to tire.

New Zealand does not necessarily need to copy South Africa in every area, but Read believes the All Blacks should be prepared to meet that physical challenge.

A 6-2 bench could help them do exactly that.

The key will be maintaining New Zealand's own strengths while adding enough forward power to prevent South Africa from controlling the match through physical pressure.

All Blacks Must Find a Way to Increase the Tempo

The All Blacks also need to find a way to play at a higher tempo.

Read's comments point to a concern that New Zealand has not consistently been able to speed up matches in the way it would like.

That matters because the All Blacks can be particularly dangerous when they move the ball quickly and create space for their backs.

If South Africa can slow the game down, win territorial battles and force New Zealand into repeated defensive phases, the Springboks can take control.

New Zealand therefore needs to combine physical strength with its traditional attacking skills. The ideal approach would allow the forwards to compete with South Africa while giving the backline enough opportunities to attack in space.

Third Test Could Decide the Series Battle

The third Test carries enormous importance for both teams.

With the series level at 1-1, the winner in Soweto will move into a decisive position. The upcoming contest is therefore likely to have a different feel from the opening two matches.

South Africa will enter with confidence after recovering from their first-Test defeat, while New Zealand will be determined to respond after surren
dering its early series advantage.

Former Springboks captain John Smit has also described the Soweto encounter as the Test that will decide the series in South Africa, adding further weight to what is already a highly anticipated fixture.

For Rennie, the selection of the bench could prove just as important as the starting XV.

The decision to use a 6-2 split would be a gamble, but Read believes it could give New Zealand the forward strength required to handle South Africa's physical challenge.

Ultimately, the All Blacks will need more than one tactical adjustment. They must improve their exits, compete for possession, increase their tempo and find ways to make their attacking ability count when opportunities appear.

FAQs About the All Blacks and Springboks Third Test

Why does Kieran Read want the All Blacks to use a 6-2 bench?

Kieran Read believes a 6-2 bench could give New Zealand additional forward power against the physically strong Springboks. The strategy would provide six forwards and two backs among the replacements.

What does a 6-2 split mean in rugby?

A 6-2 split means a team names six forwards and two backs on its bench. It gives the forwards greater replacement depth but leaves less specialist cover in the backline if injuries occur.

Could Sam Darry feature in the third Test?

Sam Darry is one of the players Read believes could strengthen the All Blacks. His ability to compete for kick-offs and provide additional second-row options makes him an interesting selection possibility.

Who could replace or join the All Blacks forwards?

Read identified players such as Sam Darry, Peter Lakai and Ethan Blackadder as possible options. He also discussed how Fabian Holland and Tupou Vaa’i could be used depending on the final combination.

Why is Cam Roigard important to the All Blacks’ selection strategy?

Cam Roigard is important because Read believes he can play a large portion of the match without needing to be replaced. That could give New Zealand enough confidence to carry an extra forward on a 6-2 bench.