All Blacks players dejected after Springboks loss and centurion Mils Muliaina.
Mils Muliaina insists that Super Rugby is a key factor in the All Blacks’ struggles this year.
Although Scott Robertson’s men were competitive in both matches, they failed to claim a win in the Republic, succumbing to defeats in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The Springboks emerged 31-27 triumphant at Ellis Park before overcoming the same opponents 18-12 a week later to continue their winning streak in the Rugby Championship.
They are well on course for the title as New Zealand appear set to lose their grip on the trophy they have lifted for the past four years.
Poor form
Robertson and the players, as well as pundits and fans, have been left searching for answers as to why the All Blacks have now lost three of their previous four games.
With the inquest already starting, Muliaina has criticised the current incarnation of Super Rugby, which got rid of South Africa in 2020, for negatively impacting the national team.
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It is now a primarily Antipodean tournament, but Australia have struggled to be competitive against the New Zealand franchises.
“I don’t think our competitions are healthy. Our competitions aren’t turning our up-and-comers into quality, world-class All Blacks,” he said on Sky Sports’ Breakdown.
“They’re going out there in pressure situations and that’s where they’re folding. You can’t teach that at the lower grades because we’re playing against the Aussies.
“The South Africans have found their groove because they’ve gone overseas and played hardened rugby, but they’ve also got a style of rugby which also suits them.
“We’ve got to find that in our competitions. I don’t agree that our competitions are as competitive as what they should be.”
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New head coach Robertson will inevitably come under pressure but Muliaina has called for patience from the supporters.
The All Blacks centurion believes there is currently a lack of balance in the back-row and that there is too much focus on what the opposition is doing.
However, the 44-year-old insists that New Zealand and the coaching staff can’t truly be judged until much later down the line.
“I think it’s more of an 18 months to two years, you’ve got to give them time. They’re starting to develop guys in certain roles,” he said.
“Have we got the perfect mix in terms of the loosies? I don’t think we have. We’re often reacting to what the other teams are doing. Why should we pick a bench to counter another bench?
“You’ve got to find your DNA and we know what that is.”