Kolbe: 'We need to go out and execute'

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff and wing Cheslin Kolbe said they were determined to make the country proud as they look forward to Saturday’s Castle Lager Incoming Series decider against Wales in Cape Town.

The Springboks defeated Wales 32-29 in the opening Test at Loftus Versfeld before suffering a heart-breaking 13-12 defeat in Bloemfontein last week, meaning Saturday’s match at the DHL Stadium will determine the series winner.

While a victory for the Springboks would allow them to build vital momentum with the Castle Lager Rugby Championship around the corner, which kicks off with back-to-back home Tests against the All Blacks in South Africa before a tour to Australia and Argentina and a final Test in Durban against the Pumas, Wales will be desperate to register their first series win in South Africa.

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“Every Test is of utmost importance, and we understand that this is a series decider,” said Kitshoff. “We have put in the same preparation this week as all other Test weeks, and we now have to ensure that we perform on the weekend. We understand as a team how import it is to beat Wales.

“We have prepared well this week, so we have to go out and get a good result on Saturday.

“It is obviously special for me personally to play in Cape Town (as a DHL Stormers player). I have friends and family there, so as a team we want to pitch up and make the country proud.”

Kolbe said the message was clear for the team in terms of what they have to do on the field on Saturday and said: “We are professional athletes, and we have to understand everyone’s role. We want to go on the field and make everyone proud.

“We are South Africans, and we will draw energy from playing in a final because we know what that means for us as a players and the country.”

Both players were confident that the Springboks had the resources to do the job for the country.

“We have to get dominance in the set pieces, so we have to be solid in the scrums, lineouts and mauls, and hopefully this will create space for guys like Cheslin and the backs to get opportunities out wide,” said Kitshoff.

Kolbe added: “We have an amazing backline and forward pack, and the coaches have a good plan in place, so we need to go out and execute that. If the forwards put in the hard work, hopefully there will be space for the backs.”

Kolbe was delighted for Jaden Hendrikse, who earns another start at scrumhalf alongside experienced flyhalf Handre Pollard and said he would play a vital role in guiding play on the field.

“I am excited for Jaden,” said Kolbe. “There is a big responsibility on him to give direction to the team and whenever there are kicks, we as wingers have to chase. Wales have good players, and we know what they can bring to the match.”