Springboks: Elrigh Louw makes blunt revelation about facing the All Blacks
Springboks number eight Elrigh Louw takes on the Wallabies defence.
Springboks number eight Elrigh Louw has described facing the All Blacks in last weekend’s Rugby Championship Test in Johannesburg as the biggest highlight of his career.
Louw, who made an appearance off the replacements bench in the second half of the Boks’ 31-27 triumph, is keen to be involved again when the world champions host their arch rivals in Cape Town this weekend.
The Boks fought back from a 27-17 deficit and Louw couldn’t hide his delight when reminiscing about the world champions’ win which was their third successive victory over the All Blacks after they also beat them in last year’s Rugby World Cup final in Paris and in a warm-up match at Twickenham in the build-up to the global showpiece.
‘My biggest rugby highlight’
“Personally, it was a massive dream come true to face New Zealand and also to do so at Emirates Airline Park,” he said. “At this stage it has to rank as my biggest rugby highlight, and especially the way we came back from behind to get the win,” said Louw.
Commenting on his side’s outstanding fightback in the game’s latter stages, Louw said: “We were prepared to play for the full 80 minutes, and every player on the bench delivered a good effort, so I don’t think it was a case of the All Blacks being tired, it was rather a matter of us playing until the final whistle, and I’m happy that the guys went all the way.”
Louw, who is also in the selection mix to face off with the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday, said the Bok players are highly motivated for the encounter.
Although the All Blacks have enjoyed fantastic support over the years when they play in Cape Town, it’s not something which bothers Louw.
“Cape Town is renowned for their support for the All Blacks, but the people’s support for us also means a lot, so I don’t think it will be a big factor in in our motivation for the match and how we perform,” he said.
The 24-year-old praised how the Springbok players are competing for places in the squad and also hailed team culture, especially in terms of how the young players have been drafted into the system, and said he enjoyed experiencing a special environment.
“The competition in the squad is healthy, and I really believe we are building something special,” added Louw.
‘A good example for the young players’
“I enjoy Jasper (Wiese) and the way he plays, and a player like Pieter-Steph du Toit is great and the manner in which he is willing to play any position and never gives up, which certainly sets a good example for the young players.”
When asked why the younger players performed so well against the world’s leading teams, Louw said: “I think it’s the culture in the team that makes it so simple and safe for any player to just step into the system.
“If you do your job and put in the effort, the entire team and the coaches back you to do the job.”
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is set to announce the matchday squad for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks on Thursday.
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