Rugby: All Blacks, Wallabies copying Springboks – de Villiers

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has accused his rivals of copying the Springboks' tactics. Photo / Getty Images

PERTH - South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has claimed the Springboks have become rugby's modern-day revolutionaries which Australia and New Zealand are attempting to mimic.

In provocative comments sure to rile the Wallabies and All Blacks, De Villiers said his No 1-ranked team were now dictating terms to their Tri-Nations rivals.

The outspoken coach was unrepentant for his side's successful high-kicking power game which, while extremely effective, has been attacked for reducing the entertainment value of the Tri Nations.

Savouring an unbeaten first half of the tournament, De Villiers turned the attention on to his rivals by accusing them of copying world rugby's new "leaders".

"We always said when we took over this job that South African sport should be leaders and not followers any more," he said after arriving in Perth on Wednesday.

"It took us a while from isolation to up to now to come to grips that we could be leaders.

"For other big countries in rugby like Australia and New Zealand to try to follow us now speaks volumes of the fact we can dictate the terms of how rugby can be played."

In assessing NZ's 19-18 Bledisloe Cup win over the Wallabies, De Villiers started by praising both side's play before belittling them.

"There was more kicking in that game than there were in our games against any one of them," he said.

"We are now determining how they are playing against each other too."

De Villiers' comments come five days after All Blacks coach Graham Henry criticised current test rugby for incessant kicking affecting the sport's product.

With only one try scored - by New Zealand midway through the second half - and 10 penalty goals kicked, it did appear both had taken a leaf out of the Springboks' book.

De Villiers deflected Henry's criticism, accusing the IRB's lawmakers for introducing more kicking into the game.

He said the Springboks merely adapted best to the alterations, which prevents teams passing back into the 22 to kick out on the full.

"At this moment we don't kick more, we kick more back," he said.

"I think in Super 14 we showed you guys how we can adapt to that and now with the laws changed back again we've shown how we adapted back to that.

"We would like to entertain the people ... (but) our obligation is first to the South Africans, and then the rest of the world."

A victory over Australia in Perth on Saturday night would almost ensure South Africa would claim the Tri Nations.

The Springboks are on guard for the Wallabies breakdown pilfering which he described as "scary".

- AAP