The Springboks are determined to make South Africa proud when they face the All Blacks on Saturday in Baltimore in the decisive match of the Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
Captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick expect a desperate assault from New Zealand, but say the Boks' focus is on finishing the series with a victory and claiming the trophy.
The match is also a special milestone for Rassie Erasmus, who will celebrate his 100th test in his two roles with the Springboks since 2018 – as head coach and director of rugby.
Read also: Springbok squad for Baltimore: Erasmus makes two changes
Springboks against All Blacks: series must be won
"We definitely want to win the series. We don't want it to end in a draw, and that's been our mindset this week," Kolisi said.
According to him, the Boks have prepared thoroughly for the changes in the All Blacks squad, but South Africa will particularly focus on imposing its own game and being physically at its best.
"We've seen in the last three matches that if you're not at your best, they can punish you. But we can too, and we want to make sure we keep making our people proud."
Kolisi compared the intensity of the series to four World Cup finals in four weeks.
"In my experience, it doesn't get harder than this. It's like playing four Rugby World Cup finals in as many weeks, given the quality of the two teams."
Mo'unga inclusion was expected
The All Blacks made several changes for the final showdown, with Richie Mo'unga starting at fly-half. Stick said the Boks expected that decision.
"Richie is world-class and we know him well. I think the All Blacks are going to be even more adventurous when it comes to keeping the ball alive and using the wide channels."
According to Stick, the Boks' goal remains simple: to impose their own physical game.
"They have a world-class squad and they're desperate to level the series. But we're also a passionate nation and we want to make our country proud."
Kolisi, who will play his 107th test, says the squad is not influenced by noise from outside.
"What matters within our circle is what we expect of each other. What's said outside doesn't really matter. We know who we are and we want to stick to the way we play."
Green and gold colours Baltimore
Stick also spoke of the strong South African support the squad has already experienced in Baltimore, with many South Africans having travelled to Maryland from various American states.
"Wherever you walk around the hotel, you see green and gold and people are proud to see us. We want to make sure we represent them and put on a good show."
Stick even made time to attend a baseball game.
"I thought Kagiso Rabada is fast until I saw those pitchers. It was an incredible experience," he joked.
The match kicks off on Saturday at 17:00 local time, or 23:00 South African time, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Source: SA Rugby Communications
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
