Springboks v All Blacks: Siya Kolisi reveals mindset ahead of final clash while coach assesses Richie Mo’unga threat
Springboks v All Blacks: Siya Kolisi reveals mindset ahead of final clash while coach assesses Richie Mo'unga threat
The Springboks and the All Blacks will take to the field in just a few hours, as they compete in the fourth and final Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
This will be the first match of the series to take place outside of South Africa, as the two teams look each other in the eye in Baltimore, USA.
World Cup holders South Africa currently lead the series 2-1 after winning in Johannesburg last weekend, but there’s no denying that the fourth Test could go either way.
“We don’t want to draw the series. We want to win the series, so that’s our mindset coming this week,” captain Siya Kolisi told the press on Friday.
After winning the last two Tests, the Springboks should feel confident heading into the final match in front of an expectant US crowd.
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick is wary about the return of Richie Mo’unga, however, in what will be his first Test start for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final.
“Richie Mo’unga, we know him well. He was world-class. I think as a coaching staff, we did expect that selection,” Stick told the media at the team hotel.
“Ruben Love, the way he’s been playing as one of the young upcoming stars in that team, he’s been doing great for that team, but we did expect Richie Mo’unga to get an opportunity in this game.”
“We’ve done our own work”
Mo’unga’s return to the All Blacks matchday squad changes the dynamic of the team, bringing new challenges to a Springbok side that did well to somewhat muzzle Love in the last two matches.
“I think they’re going to be even more bold tomorrow when it comes to keeping the ball alive and trying to use the space in the wider channels. And we know how dangerous it is, but we’ve played against them many times,” Stick said.
As with any modern Springboks matchday preparation, Rassie Erasmus’ side are not content with sitting back.
“We’ve done our own work. The key thing for us is to make sure that we enforce our game on to them, make sure that physically we pitch up on the day,” Stick said.
Despite the aggressive approach, Stick is aware that if the series leaders are not able to replicate the form they’ve shown in the past two matches, then they will be punished.
“You’ve seen the past three games we’ve played against them; if you’re not at your best, they’ve got what it takes to punish you because of the quality of the players they’ve got in that team,” he added.
“I think it’s a world-class team. We know they’re very desperate to level up the series, but so do we. Also, we want to make sure that we keep on making our people back home proud, so we’ll give our best.”