‘It doesn’t get tougher than playing against the All Blacks’ – Springboks duo reveal what they expect in Greatest Rivalry opener
Springboks flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit in action against the All Blacks and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick (inset).
Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit have opened up about what they expect from Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The duo are bracing themselves for a tough assignment in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The Springboks and All Blacks will also face off at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town (August 29), the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg (September 5), and the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA (September 12).
‘These are moments that we live for’
“Playing four games in one season against the All Blacks is always going to be a great challenge,” said Stick. “These are moments that we live for.
“The closest thing to the Greatest Rivalry in terms of a series where every game counts is probably the British & Irish Lions series, or the knockout stages of the World Cup, and our mindset for these games will draw on those experiences.
“Representing our country is something we don’t take for granted. We know it’s going to be a tough challenge. The All Blacks are in a good space and have been playing very well.
“But from our side, we also want to keep improving and evolving, and we will never be comfortable. It doesn’t get tougher than playing against the All Blacks four weeks in a row, and we are excited about it.”
Du Toit was equally thrilled about the occasion and revealed how special it is to face the All Blacks.
“It’s a very different tournament. To be involved in a series like this and have New Zealand play in South Africa, and also playing four games in a row is a massive honour and privilege,” he said.
“And to have the opportunity to play against them again, especially at Ellis Park, is very special for me and the whole team, so I really hope we can make the best of Saturday.
“It’s an awesome stadium for us and it’s close to my heart. When you stand there and sing the anthem and see the supporters behind the Springboks, it’s unbelievable. And of course, the 1995 Rugby World Cup was won there as well, so it’s a very special place for our country.”
The duo also singled out veteran Springboks centre Damian de Allende for special praise as he is set to become only the 10th player in Springboks history to play in 100 Tests.
“For a guy like Damian de Allende, who has been with us through the ups and downs, and had to cope with a lot of people saying he wasn’t good enough to play for the Springboks, is amazing,” said Stick.
‘We always knew what a man he is’
“In our camp, we always knew what a man he is and the value he adds to the team. He’s one of those guys who does the dirty work without anyone seeing it, so for him to play his 100th Test match is a great achievement for him and his family.
“He is not a person of many words, but when he switches on, he’s one of the best, so I’m very proud of him and I’d like to congratulate him and his family. Hopefully we can make it special for him.”
Du Toit, who will run out in his 99th Test on Saturday, added: “To see Damian playing his 100th Test for the Springboks is special, and it’s an unbelievable honour to play alongside him. I still remember the first time I watched him at the Stormers.
“He played on the wing and I just saw this beast in the way he carried the ball and his work on defence.
“I have so much respect for him, the way he carries himself on and off the field, and how he’s grown as a person. It’s great to see people progress in life.”
Du Toit is looking forward to facing the haka once again, and highlighted what Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said earlier in the week about the team having a greater understanding about what it means to the All Blacks and for the opposition.
“I would never say we’d be relaxed, but it’s a massive honour to face the haka,” he said.
“Just as Tony (Brown, Boks assistant coach) has helped us understand what it stands for, each individual player will have a personal meaning of what standing there is. We’ll face the haka with respect and we’ll accept the challenge.”
Commenting on what they expected from the All Blacks, Stick added: “We know New Zealand is going to bring it in terms of intensity, and we’ll have to perform really well the lineouts and the scrums especially because they’re going to try to test us there.
“They’ll also look for gaps with their skilful players, so I’d say the key would be to stay alert and not get caught out.”
