Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe and flanker Marco van Staden are relishing the opportunity of facing the All Blacks at Eden Park for the first time in their careers.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the challenge of facing New Zealand at Eden Park – where South Africa last beat the hosts in 1937 and the All Blacks have not lost since 1994 – made it a “nervy” yet special week for both teams.
Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery said his team has to be at its best next weekend to break their hoodoo at Eden Park in Auckland, where the Boks last won a match in 1937, as they aim for consistency in performance with an eye on trying to defend their Rugby Championship title.
Springbok experienced scrumhalf Faf de Klerk will join Rassie Erasmus’ side in New Zealand for the second leg of their Rugby Championship campaign against the All Blacks, where they will play matches in Auckland and Wellington, as additional cover in the key position.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have confirmed they will host English rugby giants Saracens for a pre-season tour in Durban next month.
Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown has labeled the Boks’ match against the All Blacks at the iconic Eden Park as their biggest challenge since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, when the teams meet in Auckland next Saturday in the first of two Tests in New Zealand.
The Springboks are set to get down to business after arriving in Auckland on Wednesday in high spirits ahead of the back-to-back Test matches against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship in the next three weeks.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a powerful squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand, with captain Siya Kolisi, World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit, all returning from injury.
SA Rugby has confirmed that Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye received an “adverse analytical finding” from a drug test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).