John Smit ‘surprised’ by All Blacks scrum as Greatest Rivalry showed that Super Rugby exit was ‘less traumatic’ for Springboks

Former Springboks captain John Smit was shocked that the All Blacks rarely opted to engage with South Africa in the set-piece battle.

Rassie Erasmus’ men claimed a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with the triumph based on scrum, lineout, maul and kicking.

They outplayed Dave Rennie’s side in all those areas, with the All Blacks looking to move the ball whenever they had the opportunity.

All Blacks’ former front five strength

While the best Kiwi teams in the past have always looked to be adventurous with ball in hand, they have also had a strong front