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Agence France-Presse

South African skipper Adriaan Strauss has dismissed strident criticism of his underperforming side as he revealed a plan to unsettle New Zealand when they clash in Christchurch on Saturday.
Another runaway victory for the unbeaten All Blacks could see them sew up the Rugby Championship with two rounds to spare while the Springboks, with only one win from three games, need a miraculous recovery to stay in contention.
The Springboks’ woeful record, less than a year after they were only a whisker away from beating the All Blacks in the World Cup semi-finals, has brought a scathing reaction from their home media and fans.
Veteran South African rugby scribe Mark Keohane said the Springbok coaches were “out of their depth” and the team was getting worse with each match.
Watch: Australia 23 South Africa 17


“This is a poor Springbok side, not well coached and not particularly well led,” Keohane said.
But Strauss shrugged off the criticism and said it was not universal as the Springboks go through a rebuilding phase.
“The info that I get is quite positive and people support us, but I also know there is a lot of criticism and it’s part of the game it’s part of the transition process,” he said.
Sigh of relief: Australia beat South Africa to snap six-game losing streak
Strauss intends stepping away from test rugby at the end of this year, at the relatively young age of 30 for a hooker, but said it was part of the rebuild.
“We’ve got a long term plan but we don’t want to sacrifice any games getting there. We want to win every single test match that we play,” he said.

Strauss said they had taken note of how Argentina matched the New Zealand for 50 minutes last week.
And the visitors had also reviewed their World Cup semi-final in which the All Blacks sneaked home 20-18 before beating Australia 34-17 in the final.
“We definitely have had a look at the past and we learn from that,” Strauss said.
Rampant All Blacks crush Argentina to stay unbeaten in Rugby Championship
“When the All Blacks get into their stride and play the type of rugby they want to it’s a very difficult team to stop.
“If you do unsettle them it makes a good battle on the day and that’s something we’re going to have to do, unsettle them and not let them dictate the game.”
Watch: New Zealand 57 Argentina 22




‘Stop whining,’ New Zealand’s Steve Hansen tells Australian counterpart Michael Cheika

New Zealand overcome Australia in Bledisloe Cup for record 18th straight test triumph

Quade Cooper dropped as Australia try to stop all-conquering All Blacks

‘Focused’ All Blacks won’t be distracted by Australia in world record bid

The Rugby Championship 2016

Underfire Springboks plan to unsettle mighty Rugby Championship-chasing All Blacks

South Africa hooker Adriaan Strauss at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP

South African player Jesse Kriel (L) is tackled by Reece Hodge (R) during the Rugby Championship match between Australia and South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 10, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Patrick HAMILTON / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

Francois Hougaard named in South Africa backline as revamped Springboks face Australia

South Africa coach Allister Coetzee. Photo: AFP

epa05504492 Facundo Isa (L) of Argentina challenged by Teboho Mohoje (R) of South Africa during the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, 20 August 2016 EPA/SAMUEL SHIVAMBU

2016 Rio Olympics - Rugby - Men's Victory Ceremony - Deodoro Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 11/08/2016. Team South Africa pose for photos with their bronze medals. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRAZIL - Tags: SPORT OLYMPICS SPORT RUGBY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.

2016 Rio Olympics - Rugby - Men's Bronze Medal Match - Japan v South Africa - Deodoro Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 11/08/2016. Juan de Jongh (RSA) of South Africa scores ahead of Lomano Lava Lemeki (NZL) of Japan. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRAZIL - Tags: SPORT OLYMPICS SPORT RUGBY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.

Mumm’s the word: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika seeks Australia set-piece boost against South Africa

Australia's Dean Mumm runs with the ball during the Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand. Photo: EPA

New Zealand's Beauden Barrett (R) is tackled by Australia's Reece Hodge during the rugby Test match between New Zealand and Australia at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on August 27, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Marty Melville

Australia stand dejected as the Bledisloe cup is presented to New Zealand during the rugby Test match between New Zealand and Australia at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on August 27, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Marty Melville

Sport

Rugby

South Africa have won just one of three games in the competition, while New Zealand could claim the title with a bonus point victory in Christchurch


South African skipper Adriaan Strauss has dismissed strident criticism of his underperforming side as he revealed a plan to unsettle New Zealand when they clash in Christchurch on Saturday.
