An “excited” Springbok team is getting down to the hard graft ahead of what assistant coach Tony Brown called “the biggest game since the 2023 World Cup Final”.
The Boks meet the All Blacks in a massive test at Eden Park - a venue where the Boks haven’t won since 1937 and where the All Blacks are unbeaten since 1994. Add to that the Boks are on four straight wins against their biggest rivals, and it is likely to be Ardie Savea’s 100th test match, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Boks beat the All Blacks twice in South Africa last season on their way to the Rugby Championship title, and edged the World Cup Final 12-11 in 2023. All these factors point to a classic game that is widely viewed as the biggest of the year for the Springboks.
The Boks arrived in Auckland on Wednesday at midnight, and only had a gym and recovery session on Thursday, taking the field for the first time on Friday before they get into full test match mode on Monday.
“I think it's probably the biggest game since the Rugby World Cup Final, so the players are excited,” said Brown. “The All Blacks are going to be desperate to win, and so will the Springboks, which should make for an amazing game.
“The feeling in the camp is mainly excitement. The Eden Park record is on the line, and it’s an amazing opportunity for us to go out there and take on the challenge.”
Brown said the margins are likely to be tight at Eden Park, but was confident the Boks could do well.
“Every test is important in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, and it’s always going to come down to one or two games, so hopefully we can win the key ones and make a push in New Zealand, and return to South Africa with some points on the board,” said Brown.
Asked what the team had to do to break their hoodoo at Eden Park, where the Boks last defeated the All Blacks in 1937, Brown said: “We have to make sure we prepare well, be excited about the challenge, put our best foot forward on the day, and play as hard as we can when we get onto the field.”
The Boks are expected to name their side on Tuesday for the game.