Springboks vs All Blacks: Kolisi, Etzebeth, and Kriel lead in the Rugby Championship

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks ready to face the All Blacks in an epic clash

South Africa’s coach, Rassie Erasmus, has selected the strongest team to face New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday. Key figures such as Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Eben Etzebeth lead the team in this crucial Rugby Championship encounter. After their defeat to Australia three weeks ago, the current champion Springboks will have to bring out all their experience in Auckland, a stage that has historically not favored them (their last victory there was in 1937). Experienced fullback Willie le Roux, who will play his 101st match, will be a key element.

“We have selected the best possible team for the match, knowing that it will be an epic encounter against the All Blacks at Eden Park, and many of these players have already proven their worth against them,” said Erasmus.
Rassie Erasmus

Erasmus also pointed out that this match will present a different challenge to the encounters of the last two years, because it is played in New Zealand and in a stadium with a favorable history for the All Blacks. The coach added that they have focused on the details to improve after the matches against the Wallabies since his arrival in Auckland, with the aim of implementing a game plan that gives them pride.

Springboks vs All Blacks: Kolisi, Etzebeth, and Kriel lead in the Rugby Championship

Siya Kolisi returns to the Springboks team after missing the match against the Wallabies in Cape Town due to a niggle. The decision to keep Jesse Kriel as captain, instead of returning the armband to Kolisi, was a logistical matter, Erasmus explained. Erasmus pointed out that Kolisi was doubtful for the match due to a discomfort and that they did not want to risk him unnecessarily. With the absence of Jean-Luc du Preez due to an injury in training, Kolisi was the obvious choice for the number 8 position. Kriel had already been informed that he would be the captain, and Erasmus considered it fair to keep it that way. Erasmus praised Kriel as a great leader and one of the team’s key players. He highlighted his communication with the referee and his teammates, as well as his exemplary leadership in the game. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of Kriel captaining the team against the All Blacks for the first time. South Africa has won its last five matches against the All Blacks, and Erasmus is aware of the importance of this match, especially to score points in the Rugby Championship.

“The history and rivalry between both teams speak for themselves, and with all the implications of this match, it makes it particularly notable, so we expect a very contested match.”
Rassie Erasmus

Erasmus added that the match will be crucial for both teams, with records at stake and a significant impact on the competition, given the close situation in the standings. The Springboks coach anticipates an intense match and acknowledges the quality of the All Blacks team, with a strong forward pack and exciting backs. Erasmus emphasized the importance of executing the game plan, responding with the same intensity, and being effective in all aspects of the game. He underlined that every point will be crucial and that the team must be mentally and physically prepared to give their all on the field.