Springbok flanker Francois Louw is ready to test his skill against All Blacks captain Richie McCaw on Saturday.
McCaw is arguably the best openside to ever play the game and Louw knows he will have to be at his best, particularly in the battle for the loose ball.
"It will be a huge battle at the breakdown and during the whole game," he told Supersport.
"McCaw is a good player on the ground.
"You will have to put in a big work-rate to keep up. But we have trained well this week and I'm looking forward to the game."
Although New Zealand's team will only be named on Thursday, it is expected that McCaw will be partnered by Liam Messam and Kieran Read.
Louw views this as a potentially dangerous combination.
"Read and Messam are both underrated players at times," he said.
"They are players that you have to watch. They are good in the loose and have good ball carrying ability. They both have a helluva work-rate but at the end of the day you just have to outwork your opposite number."
The Bath back-row is confident that his combination with Duane Vermeulen and Willem Alberts will be able to match their All Blacks counterparts.
"It's great to have Duane in there," explained Louw.
"He has been fighting for that Bok spot for a long time. To finally get it last week was amazing. I'm so happy for him, he is one of my good mates.
"I've got to say that it is quite nice playing with a back row that is about the same weight as your front-row. Willem and Duane are big units. It is nice to have that go-forward ball and that solid wall on defence.
"The guys have a big challenge in front of them this weekend and we are going to have to put in a hard performance if we are going to beat the All Blacks."
Comments
safehands says...
@Ben7.....that's because Brussouw is a cheat...unlike King Ritchie who is widely regarded as the greatest number 7 to have ever played the game. How many punters from around the world bestow that kind of praise on to Bru-cheat....other than those of you out of the Republic??
Posted 01:00 14th September 2012
fattysock says...
@Ben7
Also, have they never played each other in Super rugby? I'd be interested to see how those games went.. .
Posted 17:11 13th September 2012
fattysock says...
@Ben7
I'd just ignore Mace. He's always running his mouth. Makes me sad to be a Kiwi.
Posted 17:06 13th September 2012
Houston_11 says...
@Anyone who knows...
When is Brussow back fighting fit? He's a big loss for SA.
The editor says.... He is fit. He is playing for the Cheetahs this weekend after returning a week ago.
Posted 16:39 13th September 2012
ben7 says...
@Mace
Heinrich Brussow has outshone your so called 'King' Richie in every match that they've played against each other.
They've gone head to head in 4 tests. Guess how many of those SA have won?............... ALL 4!!!! three in 2009 and one in 2011 with Brussow dominating in the turnover department in all of them.
Posted 12:30 13th September 2012
georgesmith says...
F. Louw is a quality player. No doubt. He can have a big impact and push R. McCaw all the way. The reality that opposing teams must realize is that R. McCaw is not at the peak of his powers like he used to so there is a great chance. I agree with F. Louw "Read and Messam are both underrated players at times".
Posted 00:29 13th September 2012
Mace says...
Man we hear this alot from pretenders who think they are ready for King Richie, yet every time the ones flapping their gums get schooled by the King every time!!!! Well Mr. Louw step on up because your next fool!!!!!
Posted 00:25 13th September 2012
philipjfry says...
It's OK just answered my own question. I googled it, fancy that.
Posted 12:46 12th September 2012
philipjfry says...
Anyone know when his contract with Bath comes to an end? APV1?
Posted 12:44 12th September 2012