Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says he’s looking forward to seeing the fresh talent in the squad showcase their skills when South Africa take on the All Blacks.
A victory for the Boks would see them retain the Freedom Cup against the All Blacks, which they won last year for the first time since 2009, while a win would also see them stay in the race to defend their Rugby Championship title and reclaim the top spot on the world rankings.
After last weekend’s narrow defeat in Auckland, Kolisi believes the mix of experienced campaigners and new players gives the team a different edge heading into a high-stakes clash.
Both he and assistant captain Mzwandile Stick also shrugged off concerns surrounding the new look Bok backline, which some regard as youthful and inexperienced.
“There’s a good mixture of players in this team. Most of the guys have played here before, some of whom have won two World Cups, so it’s not as though it is a completely new team,” Kolisi said.
“I’m keen to see this side in action, and I think some of the new faces will bring a different skillset to the match, which is exciting.
“It’s fantastic for some players to get an opportunity like this, and I believe it will give them confidence.
Stick added: “A lot of the players in the backline have been in the system for a long time, and we think they are good combinations.
“Last week we had two soft moments early in the match, and we’ve learned from that. So, this week we must be at our best for the full 80 minutes.
“We also need to make sure that we are clinical in our execution and that we convert our chances into points.”
Kolisi says the Springboks are treating Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks with the same focus and intensity as a World Cup final, while keeping their preparation consistent and their standards high.
“It’s going to be an intense match and will be important for us to keep calm and composed, which is almost the same as one would expect in a World Cup final,” said Kolisi.
“That said, there’s enough motivation to win this game, so our preparation is the same as it would be for every Test match. We have high standards, and we want to deliver a good performance that our country and supporters can be proud of.”
