The Springboks arrive at Eden Park this weekend like challengers stepping into a fortress that has stood unbroken since 1937.
Only three men in their match-day squad, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Willie le Roux, have felt the cauldron of this Auckland arena before, but Mzwandile Stick insists history won’t decide the scoreboard.
“We focus on rugby statistics rather than history, because that’s not where games are won,” said the assistant coach, brushing off the ghosts of the past like a winger shrugging off a tackle.
“This is about representing the Springbok jersey with pride and making our people proud.”
The build-up in New Zealand has been buzzing like a stadium before kickoff, amplified by the milestone of Ardie Savea’s 100th Test.
Stick acknowledged the moment, but made it clear the are locked on their own battle plan.
“We want to improve from where we left off against Australia and test ourselves against the best side in the world,” he said.
Captain Jesse Kriel, earning his 83rd cap, is ready to carry the armband into the storm for the third time.
“Playing in the green and gold always excites me,” he said.
“This is the ultimate Test, the No 1 side in the world, at their stronghold.”
Kriel praised Kolisi’s selfless leadership in allowing him the captaincy, calling the squad “a team filled with leaders.”
He also saluted Savea’s relentless work ethic, but quickly shifted back to the task ahead.
“The rivalry between these two teams is unmatched. We’re motivated to perform well in this encounter.”
On Saturday, the Boks will charge out not just against the All Blacks, but against decades of history in a clash where pride, passion and a place in rugby folklore are all on the line.
Teams:
New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.
South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Stated, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker.
Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 SA time; 07.05 GMT)
Expected weather: Clear and breezy, with wind gusts of 40+ km/h. Real Feel: 6°C
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
