Boks aim for strong start against All Blacks in Cape Town
The Springboks will try to clinch the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009 when they face New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday.
In addition to the Freedom Cup, the Springboks can also make a big leap up the Rugby Championship standings.
They also have the opportunity to change their fortunes in Cape Town, where the All Blacks have traditionally had the upper hand over South Africa. The Boks can also win their fourth successive game against New Zealand—a feat they have only achieved once before.
Captain Siya Kolisi told the media on Friday that he was ready for the match after suffering a nasal fracture in last week’s 31-27 victory in Johannesburg.
“I’m fine. There’s nothing I can do about it,” said Kolisi. “I spoke to the team doctor, and he said it’s all about how much pain I can take.
“I’ve trained all week, which is all I needed to do to be selected. The worst that can happen is that it (my nose) breaks worse, but I’m planning to get it fixed anyway.”
Of his decision to put his country before his own health in this massive encounter, the double Rugby World Cup-winning skipper said: “It’s not just important for me. The match is huge for the whole team.
“We are in a place we’ve never been before in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, and over and above that, we’ve only seen photographs of the Freedom Cup; most of us in this group haven’t touched it.
“We are also playing in Cape Town for the first time in many years, and a good result this weekend could place us in a favourable position to win the competition.
“So, for us, the key is to put our front foot forward from the outset rather than trying to fight back the way we did last week. The players the All Blacks have selected shows how they want to play, so it is crucial for us to start this match strongly.”
ALSO READ:
