The Springboks believe New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is trying to trick them ahead of Saturday’s World Cup clash between the two sides.
And the man in the middle of the trickery is lock Brodie Retallick.
The second-rower suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Rugby Championship match between the two sides earlier this year and hasn’t played since.
But there is no way the All Blacks would have gone to the World Cup without their talisman, with Retallick initially expected to miss the pool stages of the tournament.
Nie so haastig nie, says Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot.
When asked if Retallick’s absence will have a big influence on how the All Blacks will play, Proudfoot hit back: “Are you sure he [Retallick] is not playing?
“Well, Mr Hansen said they have a full squad to pick from - that was his last press release.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a little trick up their sleeve.
“If he plays, massive player for them.
“If he doesn’t play, they’ve got two very good replacements in Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotou.”