WOUNDED SPRINGBOKS READY FOR ALL BLACKS CLASH

Springboks vs. the All Blacks

The Springboks would be hoping to beat the All blacks for the first time on home soil in seven years when the two sides lock horns at Ami Stadium, Christchurch on Saturday.


The All Blacks’ last defeat to the Springboks on home soil was in the 2009 Tri-Nation in the 32-29 defeat at Waikato Stadium, under the guidance of Peter de Villiers.

Speaking at a media conference Springboks assistant coach, Johann van Graan said this match is what they might need to turn the tables around.

“We have a few strengths that we want to use and each rugby match has its own character,” Van Graan said.

He said maintaining a high start for the entire game is what they would need to defeat the All Blacks who have only lost twice to the Springboks since 2009.

“We have to be able to take the pressure and apply pressure and the team that is able to do that for the full 80 minutes will win the Test.

The two rugby rivals have huge respect for each other and it's always a special occasion when the two sides meet. Whether you on the coaching staff or playing, you want to test yourself against the best in the world and on Saturday this will be such an occasion,” Van Graan said.

Springboks coach, Allister Coetzee is likely to replace injured Free State Cheetahs lock, Lood de Jager with versatile forward, Willem Alberts for the All Blacks clash.

Despite the Springboks’ failure to get impressive results under Allister Coetzee, All Blacks Flanker, Jerome Kaino said undermining the Springboks would be their biggest mistake.

“We know that every time the All Blacks play the Springboks it's always been tight. They'll want to bounce back and they want to get a win so we'll be preparing as we always do and we'll be expecting something tight," Kaino said.