Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe and bruising flanker Marco van Staden are licking their lips at the chance to lock horns with the All Blacks at Eden Park in Saturday’s third round of the Rugby Championship.
For both men, it’s their maiden run on one of rugby’s most famous fortress’ – on the hallowed Auckland turf, and they know it’s no ordinary fixture.
They have not played at Eden Park before, and Cheslin Kolbe and Marco van Staden said on Tuesday they can't wait to face the All Blacks at their Auckland fortress 🏟#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 2, 2025
Kolbe, as elusive as a winger sidestepping through a broken defensive line, admitted the gravity of the contest.
“Every opportunity I receive to play against the All Blacks, especially with all the history behind matches between the sides, is massive, and that is a sentiment we all share,” he said.
With the All Blacks perched on top of the world rankings, Kolbe sees the clash as the ultimate yardstick.
“We are facing the No 1-ranked team in the world currently, and as a player, you want to measure yourself against them individually and as a team to see where you are and if you are still on par, so I’m excited.
“I have also never played at Eden Park before, but I’ve heard many great things about it, so I’ll be thrilled if I get the opportunity to play this weekend.”
Van Staden, a man who thrives in the trenches of the breakdown, echoed Kolbe’s eagerness.
“Every Test one plays in the green and gold is big, and no two teams are the same, so we are preparing as well as possible for the match. Having the opportunity to play in this match will certainly be special.
“It’s a significant stadium for the All Blacks, so anything we can learn from players who have faced New Zealand a few times away in the past, we’ll definitely take to heart.”
The Boks’ battle with Eden Park stretches back nearly nine decades, their last victory there a distant memory from 1937.
When reminded of that barren record, Kolbe shrugged it off like a defender slipping from his grasp.
“The past is history. There’s nothing we can do about that. All we can do is focus on what we can do now, and whoever gets the chance to play needs to go out there and enjoy the occasion.
“A lot can change in a season, and the main things for us is to continue improving and developing as a team.”
Whether Erasmus rolls the dice on Kolbe and Van Staden will be revealed when the match-day 23 is named on Thursday.
Until then, the Springboks sharpen their studs for a collision that promises to be as fierce as a scrum reset in the dying minutes.
Kick-off is at 09h05 (SA time), live on SuperSport.
