All Blacks gearing up for blockbuster Test against ‘fresh-bodied’ Springboks
Jordie Barrett in All Blacks training.
All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett is expecting a “great challenge” against the Springboks in Auckland this weekend in a potential Rugby Championship decider.
Both New Zealand and South Africa got their campaigns off to winning starts. It was a particularly good weekend for the Springboks who sent some of their players to Auckland early to acclimatise for their round two clash with the All Blacks. The risk paid off with a resounding triumph against the Wallabies.
Solid foundation
The All Blacks did not split squads but started with a powerful 41-12 win over Argentina that included 31 points in the first half. Barrett was delighted with the forwards’ influence in the game.
“We controlled our set-piece, we got scrum penalties and our maul started working and then our big boys started going through them with short passes. Colesy [hooker Dane Coles] scored off one of Scott’s [Barrett] lines early,” Barrett told the All Blacks’ official website.
Dream debut
For wing Emoni Nararwa it was a massive occasion as he ran out in black for the first time and added a well-taken try to his special day.
“It was quite special like a dream come true running out of the tunnel. All those emotions came in at the final whistle, so it was special,” Narawa said.
“It’s a different level. It’s a whole different pace to the game. I was blowing a lot in the first 40 minutes.
“I was quite nervous the whole week, but you’ve got experienced teammates all around you. They told me all week just to be myself, and enjoy the moment.”
Challenge ahead
However, Barrett knows the attention must quickly turn to what will be an epic Rugby Championship clash in Auckland against the Springboks.
“We started well, and it is a great way to start the year. We can’t look any further than Saturday. We get in on Monday night, and it is a front-loaded week of recovery but a massive task next week,” he added.
“There are some big, fresh-bodied South Africans waiting for us. It’s going to be tough in any arena.
“It’s a great challenge for us but if you want to be the best you have got to test yourself against the best.”
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