Can a- now South African- Leopard, change his spots?

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell believes a shift in rule interpretations by referees is playing into South Africa's hands in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup.

The forthright Lions coach said the All Blacks will have to shelve the expansive counter-attacking style used to dominate world rugby last year as it becomes more and more difficult to maintain possession at the tackle.

"Last year's breakdown was a lot different to this year," he said last week when asked to assess the cup hopes of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. "The tackler assist is getting away with murder in this comp [Super Rugby], so I think you will see a World Cup of territory and kicking goals.

"The breakdown will be a huge influence, how you look after and hold on to your own ball and how you can get away with slowing down the opposition's.

"That will certainly help the Boks. Their kicking game last year was poor when they didn't get the balance right between run, pass and kick and they gave the All Blacks and Australia too much possession.

"But you have to respect the fact that they play great pressure football."

Mitchell's Lions have had another difficult season, but the Stormers, Bulls and Sharks could all make the Super Rugby playoffs with the former two playing a conservative brand of rugby.

Mitchell, who coached the All Blacks from 2001 up to the 2003 World Cup, said selection and discipline would be crucial as referees cracked down on infringements.

Coaches would need to pick players to match the style.

"The All Blacks will have to change their game and play a little more football in the front fifty," he said. "Their set piece will need to be accurate, but I think they have the best scrum out of the three and that will allow them to get one-on-ones with the backs."

A more competitive battle at the tackle could also hinder Australia and potentially take away their greatest strength, halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper, Mitchell said.

"[Will] Genia is class, so momentum and breakdown will be key, but I think probably tighthead prop will be their area of concern selection-wise with depth. They have one, but I'm not sure they have two.

"Quade Cooper is a special footballer, certainly at Super Rugby level, but will he be able to dominate in the same vein at test level when the game is quite different?"