The Springboks will take on New Zealand’s All Blacks in the opening Test of the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus said the squad combines players who remained in South Africa to prepare for the series with those who featured against Argentina.
Erasmus said the squad was well balanced and that the return of several players from injury, along with sufficient recovery time for others following the Nations Championship, had helped with preparations.
“The All Blacks are a quality team, and we selected combinations we think would be best suited for the challenge this weekend,” Erasmus said on the Springboks website.
He added that the squad had been together for more than a week and was fully aligned with the team’s approach for the match.
“We are preparing for an 80-minute grind. They have a well-rounded squad with physical forwards and an exciting backline, so we have to be sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset.”
Erasmus expects another closely fought encounter between the two rivals and stressed the importance of taking opportunities and maintaining discipline.
“Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire, so it is important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point. It is going to be a big battle, but the entire squad is excited about the match and looking forward to it,” he said.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus said the squad combines players who remained in South Africa to prepare for the series with those who featured against Argentina.
Erasmus said the squad was well balanced and that the return of several players from injury, along with sufficient recovery time for others following the Nations Championship, had helped with preparations.
“The All Blacks are a quality team, and we selected combinations we think would be best suited for the challenge this weekend,” Erasmus said on the Springboks website.
He added that the squad had been together for more than a week and was fully aligned with the team’s approach for the match.
“We are preparing for an 80-minute grind. They have a well-rounded squad with physical forwards and an exciting backline, so we have to be sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset.”
Erasmus expects another closely fought encounter between the two rivals and stressed the importance of taking opportunities and maintaining discipline.
“Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire, so it is important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point. It is going to be a big battle, but the entire squad is excited about the match and looking forward to it,” he said.