All Blacks coach reveals what he expects from URC opponents on Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan (inset) and New Zealand's players at their welcome event in Cape Town.
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan has highlighted the importance of their first three matches on their eagerly anticipated tour of South Africa.
The men in black will kick off the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour against the Stormers in Cape Town on August 7 before taking on the Sharks in Durban on August 11 and the Bulls in Pretoria on August 15.
Those fixtures will precede the All Blacks‘ opening Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 22 before they face the Lions at same venue on August 25.
New Zealand and South Africa will then head to Cape Town for their second clash on August 29 before returning to Johannesburg where they will face off at FNB Stadium on September 5 and Baltimore is set to host the fourth and final Test on September 12.
Ready for first three tour games
Ryan revealed that the All Blacks are planning to get a lot out of their first three encounters against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.
“I think it’s really important we start with a bit of confidence, and we get into our game,” he said in Cape Town.
“We have 10 new guys involved that have come into the group and a few debutants that have never been into the environment before, so making sure we set them up is really important, firstly.
“Then we want to play some footy, and [head coach Dave Rennie] has been pretty clear that we really want to give everyone a crack in these first few games.
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“That’s what the tour is about. We haven’t hidden from that and that’s the opportunity.”
Regarding the All Blacks’ tour opener against the Stormers, Ryan believes a good start will be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of their matches.
Fully focused on the Stormers
“We’re starting well, getting to know the Stormers, who we’ve done some good preparation on, and we’re preparing accordingly for each game,” he said.
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Ryan knows that a massive challenge awaits the All Blacks in South Africa over the next seven weeks.
“Well, it is [a challenge], and you respect it, but you’ve got to take it head on. You’ve got to do your job to enhance the jersey every day, and try and be the best in the world every day,” he said.
“And when you come over here, I guess especially as a forwards coach, there’s nothing better to test yourself against the Springboks in South Africa, so really excited by it.”