Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed his excitement ahead of South Africa’s highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals New Zealand in Johannesburg.
The match, set to take place on Saturday at Emirates Airline Park, marks the Springboks’ first home game of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and promises to be a thrilling encounter in front of a sell-out crowd.
Kolisi, who leads a Springbok team aiming for their third consecutive victory, emphasized the significance of playing on home soil.
“Playing in South Africa makes a huge difference – it motivates us because we are playing for the people of South Africa, and that drives us immensely as a team,” Kolisi said.
The Springboks currently sit atop the Rugby Championship table and are eager to extend their lead with a win over the All Blacks, a side they last faced in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France.
Despite the excitement and high expectations, Kolisi acknowledged the challenge posed by the New Zealand team. “The All Blacks are highly motivated for the match, but so are we. A good result will take us a step closer to winning the Freedom Cup,” he said. Kolisi added that although the All Blacks have a history of success in Johannesburg, the Springboks have much to play for, and their focus remains sharp.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick shared Kolisi’s sentiments, predicting a fiercely contested match. “The last few times we’ve played against them have been some of the most entertaining encounters, especially given how they play until the final whistle, and I don’t think it will be any different this weekend,” Stick commented. He highlighted the importance of gaining momentum and dominating the set pieces, noting that failure to do so could lead to a challenging day for the Springboks.
Stick also praised the influence of former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown, who has been working with the Springbok coaching staff. “Tony understands their DNA. He played for them, and he’s coached alongside some of their coaches, so yes, we’ve tapped into that,” Stick explained. With Brown’s insights, the Springboks are well-prepared for the All Blacks’ signature ball-in-hand style of play.
In terms of team selection, the Springboks have named a balanced squad capable of making a strong impact. Eben Etzebeth, who has recovered from an injury concern, will feature on the bench, and Stick is confident in Etzebeth’s ability to make a meaningful contribution. “He’s looking good, and we are confident that he’ll make a good impact,” Stick said.
Kolisi will be joined by Ben-Jason Dixon and Jasper Wiese in a powerful and dynamic loose trio. Wiese returns to the lineup after serving a suspension, while Dixon continues to impress with his work rate.
“Ben-Jason has a massive work rate, and we all know what Jasper can do,” Kolisi noted. The Springbok captain also acknowledged the challenge presented by veteran All Black flanker Sam Cane, describing him as a “warrior” and anticipating a fierce battle in the loose forwards and set pieces.
As the Springboks prepare to take on New Zealand, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable match. With passionate support from the home crowd and a team determined to uphold their Rugby Championship lead, Kolisi and his squad are ready to deliver an electrifying performance against one of rugby’s most formidable opponents.
