Blair: All Blacks have plan to beat Boks

The All Blacks believe they have identified a way to beat the Springboks, but know they will have to make every attacking opportunity count at Ellis Park. liveiplscore.homes

New Zealand attack coach Mike Blair has revealed the confidence within the All Blacks camp ahead of Saturday’s opening Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test, saying they have been building towards this moment for months.

“It’s really important to believe that you do,” Blair said when asked whether the All Blacks believe they have a game plan capable of beating the Boks.

“We’ve been walking towards this for quite some time. We know what South Africa are going to bring. They’ve got some real strengths in amongst their DNA, but we see some opportunities as well.”

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Blair knows the All Blacks cannot afford to waste those opportunities.

The Springboks’ defensive pressure, aerial prowess and ability to control territory means New Zealand are expecting fewer chances to attack than they might normally get.

“We’re aware that against South Africa we’re going to get less opportunities, so when we do get it, we’ve got to be right on,” Blair said.

“Our skill set and decision-making – it’s something we’re reviewing, talking about and training as well.”

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The All Blacks have spent the opening stages of their South African tour balancing preparation for the Tests with matches against the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls.

Blair admitted that effectively coaching two squads during the tour has presented a significant challenge, but believes the experience has provided valuable preparation for the Test series.

“It’s been a real challenge. It takes a lot of time to prepare a team, to preview, review, but it’s great for the group,” he said.

“Really good that we’ve got this opportunity to feed back on real life situations. Rather than reviewing training, we can talk through where we need to improve, how we need to improve and what it’s going to take to get there.”

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Blair says the players have responded positively to the demands of the tour.

“It’s been a busy period but the players have been excellent throughout, lots of enthusiasm, lots of energy and we’re just looking forward to getting into the Test series now.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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NAIROBI, Kenya, August 16, 2026 – Defending champion Dismas Indiza, Daniel Nduva, John Karichu, and Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko share the lead after the opening round of the Absa Ruiru Invitational, the fifth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, at the par-70 Ruiru Sports Club.

The four players carded 2-under par 68 to set up a tightly contested leaderboard heading into the second round.

Nduva of Nyali Golf & Country Club made an explosive start, sinking three consecutive birdies on the first, second and third holes before adding another on the eighth.

He picked up two more birdies on the back nine at the 11th and 13th, but dropped shots on the fifth, 12th, 14th and 18th to close on 2-under par.

Speaking after his round, Nduva said:

“I got off to a really good start with the three birdies, which gave me some confidence. I had a few mistakes later in the round, but I managed to stay in it and finish on a good score. It is still early, so I just want to stay patient and build on this going into tomorrow.”

Karichu of Limuru Country Club also produced a strong opening round, carding four birdies on the second, eighth, 13th and 15th holes.

His only dropped shots came on the fourth and 14th as he matched the leaders on 2-under par 68.

“It was a good round overall. I gave myself some good opportunities and managed to convert a few of them. I made a couple of mistakes, but I stayed focused and finished well. There is still a lot of golf to play, so I will take the positives and try to improve tomorrow,” Karichu said.

On his part, Indiza produced arguably the most controlled round of the day, going bogey-free with birdies on the 10th and 18th holes to return a 2-under par 68.

Indiza, who won last year’s Ruiru leg after defeating John Lejirma in a dramatic sudden-death playoff, said:

“It was a solid round. I didn’t make many mistakes and managed to pick up two birdies, so I am happy with the way I played. Defending a title always comes with some pressure, but I am just taking it one round at a time and focusing on my game.”

Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko completed the four-way tie at the top after carding five birdies on the second, eighth, ninth, 13th and 15th holes.

He dropped shots on the first, fourth and 18th to finish on 2-under par 68.

Okoko said:

“I think it was a good start. I made some good birdies and gave myself chances throughout the round. I had a few dropped shots, especially towards the end, but 2-under is a good position to be in. I just need to stay focused and hopefully put together another good round tomorrow.”

A further four players are tied for fifth position on 1-under par 69, featuring Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel, Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, Samuel Njoroge and Greg Snow.

Six players share ninth position on level par, with Kenya’s David Wakhu, Joseph Karanja, Michael Karanga and Edwin Mudanyi joined by Uganda’s Philip Kasozi and Nigeria’s Kamalu Bako.

The Absa Ruiru Invitational features a KES 2 million prize purse, with players also competing for valuable Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, Official World Ranking points and World Amateur Golf Ranking points.

The tournament continues tomorrow with the second round, before the top 30 players plus ties advance to Tuesday’s final round.

Orlando Pirates produced a second half goal blitz to take down Chippa United 3-0 in the Betway Premiership at Kings Park on Sunday.

Pirates treble blitz

Gamphani Lungu and Daniel Msendani netted their first goals for the Buccaneers, while Lebone Seema also headed in as Pirates gave a good response to their midweek draw at AmaZulu.

In the first half, Pirates battled to break down a resilient Chippa. Oswin Appollis had a couple of long-range efforts that were comfortably kept out by Stanley Nwabali in the Chilli Boyz goal.

A Deon Hotto free kick was also tipped over by Nwabali, but generally Pirates were too slow in their build up play in Durban.

Chippa had a good chance to take the lead four minutes before the break. Imraan Jones whipped in a free kick that flew across the area and the ball fell for Goodman Mosele, who hammered his effort just wide.

On the stroke of half time a fine cross from Appollis caused chaos in the Chippa box but no one could apply the finishing touch.

Pirates came out fired up after the break, and Patrick Maswanganyi did brilliantly to work some space in the box, but put his effort wide of target.

Pirates finally broke through in the 60th minute. Lungu’s fierce shot beat Nwabali at his near post, with the Nigerian ‘keeper only able to push the ball into the net.

That opened the floodgates and Pirates doubled their lead four minutes later. Deon Hotto’s corner was powerfully headed past Nwabali by Seema.

Msendani seals it

Msendani came off the bench and put the icing on the Pirates cake in the 87th minute. Chippa defender Boy Madingwane was caught in possession by Msendani, who surged into the penalty area and comfortably beat Nwabali.

The result moved Pirates to the top of the early Betway Premiership standings with seven points from three games. They lead Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu on goal difference.

The Buccaneers are not set to play Sekhukhune United for three games on the spin. They will face them in the Premiership on August 25 and will also play them over two legs in the MTN8 semifinals.