The Springboks must look after their possession in what is expected to be a brutal battle against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, SA assistant coach Deon Davids says.
A capacity 25,000 attendance is expected at the compact Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland to watch the clash and Davids warned the home crowd will make New Zealand an even tougher opponent.
The All Blacks made a fast start to the tournament with a dominant 41-12 victory over Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday. They ran in five tries in the first half and led 31-0 at the break, before adding two more in the second period to quieten a hostile crowd in Mendoza.
Davids said the process of preparing the Bok players started immediately after their 43-12 win over the Wallabies at Loftus.
“Now it is important to align everyone on our plans and strategies before we face a very tough match against New Zealand,” Davids said.
“It was an impressive start by the New Zealanders. It was a physical and intense performance by them. By leading 31-0 after the first half, they showed if they get any opportunities, they will use them.
“Looking at that, it is going to be important we really look after our possession. We expect a tough, physical opponent and it is never easy going down there, and with their crowd behind them, they will be even tougher.”
A group of 21 players travelled to New Zealand yesterday, where they will join the small squad who was part of the forward party last week, to acclimatise and get their preparations going for the match.
Bok flyer Kurt-Lee Arendse, who scored a hat-trick of tries against the Wallabies, said the Boks know they will be in for a tough game in Auckland.
“We are always looking forward to the next challenge,” Arendse said. “New Zealand are a team you can never underestimate.
“The guys travelling over there are ready to slot in with the players that are already there and to ensure that as a group we prepare really well for the match.
“It’s always special contributing to the team and playing in front of your home crowd while representing your country.
“We’ve grown as a team from where we were last year to where we are now. As a team, we’d like to continue building on that, and for me, I’d like to continue learning and to implement those learnings in my game.
“But I can’t take any credit for the tries. The forwards have been laying the foundation for us as backs to the finish. It’s just great to contribute to the team.”
Additional players travelling to New Zealand:
Forwards: Thomas du Toit (prop), Pieter-Steph du Toit (loose forward), Deon Fourie (utility forward), Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jean Kleyn (lock), Vincent Koch (prop) Frans Malherbe (prop), Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Trevor Nyakane (prop), RG Snyman (lock), Marco van Staden (flank), Duane Vermeulen (No 8).
Backs: Lukhanyo Am (centre), Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), André Esterhuizen (centre), Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf), Willie le Roux (fullback), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), Damian Willemse (utility back), Grant Williams (scrumhalf).
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