Caleb Clarke recently revealed that the All Blacks have been stumbling with the new aerial laws in rugby, thanks to the Springboks' sharp strategies. Following the removal of escort rules by World Rugby in late 2024, which prohibited teams from blocking players vying for a high ball, South Africa leveraged this change to great effect against New Zealand in their recent series.
Clarke, sidelined by an injury during this critical series, shared his frustrations over adapting to these changes. "It's a tough one, honestly, and with these new rules, it has been tough for us to adjust, especially when it comes to that one-on-one competition in the air," Clarke discussed during an appearance on Sky Sport NZ's Breakdown Show.
"It’s literally what we have been talking about all the time around catching it cleanly. For me, it’s a part of the game that I enjoy, especially chasing after it because I have a free jump for the ball, and it’s a one-on-one match-up with someone else."
The All Blacks have tried different tactics, like having wingers catch the ball running backwards over their shoulders, and trying to seize it while moving forward. However, Clarke admitted that the Springboks were relentless. "But credit to the Boks, who just really put pressure on the catcher and everyone else who were picking up those scraps," he added.
Earlier this year, Clarke enhanced his aerial skills during a training session with the Sydney Swans, focusing on the essentials of jumping, timing, and catching. He emphasized that mastering these fundamentals is crucial to succeed in rugby's aerial challenges.
Despite rigorous training, Clarke confessed that the All Blacks have struggled to translate practice into performance. "We’re putting in the work, and that’s sort of the disappointing part is when it comes down to the day, it just doesn’t stick," he said.
As the All Blacks continue to refine their game, the pressure mounts to overcome these aerial challenges effectively. Meanwhile, the Springboks' ability to exploit this aspect of the game has clearly given them an upper hand in recent encounters, underscoring the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of international rugby.
