![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletter\/sport\/sport-135x135.png\")
<\/p>\nThe All Blacks\u2019 scrum will have to perform if they are to beat South Africa <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
New Zealand coach Ian Foster has revealed that he feels a couple of subtle tweaks to his squad for Saturday\u2019s Rugby World Cup final will be enough to match South Africa\u2019s \u201cbomb squad\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Springboks have loaded up on bench forward might for the showpiece Paris decider, including seven pack replacements in their 23.<\/p>\n
The seven\/one bench split was a gambit first employed in South Africa\u2019s strong warm-up win over New Zealand at Twickenham in August, with the replacement pack brought on together and immediately win a scrum penalty.<\/p>\n
But rather than matching their opponents and including extra forwards among their bench eight, the All Blacks have kept faith with a traditional five\/three combination.<\/p>\n
Coach Foster has made a couple of personnel changes among those five replacement forwards, though, with veteran lock Sam Whitelock dropped to the bench and tighthead prop Nepo Laulala brought in at Fletcher Newell\u2019s expense.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2023\/10\/26\/18\/GettyImages-1744865566.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
All Blacks props Nepo Laulala, Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax will be key to the final <\/p>\n
And Foster feels his side are fully equipped to defuse any potential bench impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is certainly a response [to the Springboks\u2019 bench],\u201d Foster confirmed of his tweaks. \u201cNot so much a response to the power, but more to the techniques we expect to have to deal with.<\/p>\n
\u201cNepo is a very strong scrummager and very experienced. He\u2019s trained so well and has probably been disappointed that he didn\u2019t play the last two. It is a great occasion for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s alongside Samisoni [Taukei\u2019aho], with the likes of Sam Whitelock on the bench, we really believe and have got a lot of confidence in that group coming on.\u201d<\/p>\n
The final should present a fascinating clash of styles, with Handre Pollard\u2019s selection at fly half ahead of Manie Libbok another indicator of South Africa\u2019s preference for a tighter game.<\/p>\n
That contrasts with the All Blacks\u2019 ability to keep the ball alive and play wide, ambitious rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I love about the game,\u201d Foster said. \u201cPeople play different ways and try different things. [South Africa] have got their way that they think suits their strength. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe [seven\/one split] doesn\u2019t really change anything in what we do. It doesn\u2019t impact our game and the way we want to play it. Our strategy suits us, their strategy suits them. It makes it interesting on Saturday night.\u201d<\/p>\n