Current World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx has developed a healthy respect for the All Blacks’ leading hookers after years of facing them at both Super Rugby and international level.
Springbok centre Damian de Allende will become the 10th player in history to earn 100 Test caps for South Africa when the Boks face the All Blacks in the opening match of the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Johannesburg on Saturday.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has recalled captain Ardie Savea, halfback Cam Roigard, and outside back Will Jordan for the opening Test of the four-match “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones expects an intense, highly tactical encounter when South Africa faces New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday in the opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Malcolm Marx knows better than most what it means to face the All Blacks. He made his Test debut against New Zealand and has experienced the unique challenge of taking on one of rugby’s greatest sides on the international stage more times than any other team he has faced.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus admits South Africa has eagerly awaited the opportunity to finally focus on their highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, while stressing the respect they have for their greatest rivals.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has moved to quash suggestions that South Africa’s decision to delay their team announcement until Thursday is an act of arrogance, insisting the move is instead a sign of respect for the All Blacks.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says his team is just as excited as the rest of the country about the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series, with the countdown to their opening Test against the All Blacks at 10bet Ellis Park on Saturday well underway.
The All Blacks will head into their first Greatest Rivalry Test against South Africa with several key selection decisions still to be made, as head coach Dave Rennie provided positive updates on Will Jordan and Cam Roigard while admitting Damian McKenzie remains less certain.