‘We love playing South Africa’ – All Blacks ahead of Rugby Championships decider
New Zealand's head coach Ian Foster leaves at the end of the rugby union international match between Scotland and New Zealand at the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
The All Blacks are already looking ahead to what will be the decider for the Rugby Championship when they welcome South Africa to Auckland next weekend.
With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching, this weekend’s clash will be pivotal in the truncated 2023 edition after both New Zealand and South Africa opened their campaigns with resounding wins.
For the All Blacks, it is a long trip back home to New Zealand, whilst the Springboks took a risk by sending some players to Auckland early to target the game against their old rivals. The gamble paid off as a mixed South African side got the result against the Wallabies.
“No better foe”
Now the attention turns to the mouth-watering clash at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, where All Blacks head coach Ian Foster is looking forward to the massive Test.
“A big one – it’s always big, we love playing South Africa,” he said.
“They have taken 10, 11 or 12 players and put them over in Auckland early, so they have clearly got a plan, but our purpose in these first two weeks is to get this group together.
“There is no better foe to play next week.”
Foster’s side put together a brilliant performance against Los Pumas, winning 41-12. The first half, in particular, was impressive, with the side scoring 31 points.
Poor finish
The coach was critical of how his side fell off their rhythm near the end of the game by trying to be over-ambitious.
“I thought we got a little bit over-ambitious in the final 15 [minutes] and tried to force things, which gave them some free shots at us,” Foster said.
“It’s a bit of a wake-up call – the first half was great, the second half is probably more of what’s to come.”
One of the star performers was playmaker Damian McKenzie who understands the challenge of facing the Springboks and is looking forward to playing at home again.
“They [Springboks] got off to a great start as well,” the playmaker said.
“We’ll enjoy this win, but it will be nice to get back home and play in front of our home crowd.
“It’s going to be a challenge.”
READ MORE: Sam Cane apologises for thoughtlessly kicking a pitch invader in Mendoza
