Boks excited about “special” RGR series
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Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit expressed their excitement about participating in what they described as a “special tournament” against the All Blacks in the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Stick and Du Toit fronted the media after the Boks had completed their on-field preparations for Saturday’s first Test between the two rugby giants at 10bet Ellis Park.
They also expressed their delight for centre Damian de Allende, who will achieve the special milestone of becoming only the 10th player in Springbok history to don the green and gold jersey in his 100th Test.
“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.”
Stick added: “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: “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.
“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 spoke highly of De Allende, who follows in the footsteps of his team-mates Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, and only a handful of former Bok legends, who have had the honour of playing 100 Test matches.
“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.
“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 looked forward to facing the haka once again, and reiterated 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,” said Du Toit.
“Just as Tony (Brown, Bok 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 said: “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.”
