Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit expressed their excitement about participating in what they described as a “special tournament” against the All Blacks in the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Stick and Du Toit fronted the media after the Boks had completed their on-field preparations for Saturday’s first Test between the two rugby giants at 10bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg.
They also expressed their delight for centre Damian de Allende, who will achieve the special milestone of becoming only the 10th player in Springbok history to don the green and gold jersey in his 100th Test.
“Playing four games in one season against the All Blacks is always going to be a great challenge,” said Stick.
“These are moments that we live for. The closest thing to the Greatest Rivalry in terms of a series where every game counts is probably the British & Irish Lions series, or the knockout stages of the World Cup, and our mindset for these games will draw on those experiences.”
Du Toit was equally thrilled about the occasion: “It’s a very different tournament. To be involved in a series like this and have New Zealand play in South Africa, and also playing four games in a row is a massive honour and privilege.
“And to have the opportunity to play against them again, especially at Ellis Park, is very special for me and the whole team, so I really hope we can make the best of Saturday.