By: Bon Miguela Nhlapo
The Springboks are determined to level the playing field after last weekend’s defeat in the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series when they face the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi have emphasised the need to make the most of any opportunity when the two sides meet at DHL Stadium in the second of four Tests between the rivals.
Last Saturday, the Boks were beaten 33-16 by New Zealand in Johannesburg, despite several scoring opportunities. Stick has said the biggest lesson from the defeat was the need to be more clinical and accurate.
There were moments where we were in control, but if you don’t take your opportunities and convert them against the All Blacks, you will be punished, and that was one of the biggest lessons.”
The Springboks spent the week analysing the defeat and identifying areas for improvement, with Stick insisting the squad is in a positive space ahead of the rematch.
We prepared very well this week and analysed in depth where and how we missed those opportunities,” he said.
“As coaches, we had to lead by example and come up with solutions, and the way we did that together with the players was one of the main positives about the week, so we are in a good space.”
Stick believes the Boks will have to turn pressure into points if they are to overcome any punishment by the All Blacks.
That was the biggest factor last week. The All Blacks didn’t have many opportunities, but they took their chances when they came.”
The SA side will head into Saturday’s clash with a reshuffled backline following the withdrawal of Handre Pollard. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will start at flyhalf, with Manie Libbok in standby on the bench, while Cheslin Kolbe also returns to the starting XV after injury.
Speaking on Kolisi, the captain will return to the team after being declared fit on Monday following the strain he suffered against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
I feel good and strong, the toughest part was more the mental battle,” said Kolisi.
Back in the captain’s role, he knows exactly what is at stake if South Africa are to bounce back and level the series.
The nice thing is most of us have been in this position before in the British & Irish Lions Series and in the Rugby World Cup, so we know how to handle things on and off the field.”
He further made comments on experience and learning from mistakes.
“Experience means nothing if you don’t learn from the mistakes you made the week before,” he said.
This weekend will also be significant for Ox Nche and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who will earn their 50th and 100th Test caps respectively.
The second Test kicks off at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town at 17:10 on Saturday with live broadcast available.