Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi isn't one to mince words about the Rugby Championship clash in Wellington. After getting a lesson in ruck management from the All Blacks at Eden Park, Kolisi and his crew are gearing up to turn the tables this Saturday. It seems the Boks have done their homework, dissecting the All Blacks' strategy to prep for the breakdown battle ahead.
"We definitely learned from the previous game," confessed Kolisi. "We saw the strategy they used and we’ve made plans for that. We’ll be ready for it this weekend." Adding muscle to their plans, the return of Jasper Wiese is a boost, but Kolisi is wary of the All Blacks' backs who are just as lethal at the breakdown, highlighting Leroy Carter's prowess, a sevens star turned fifteen’s terror.
The Springboks' scrum also showed some steel, particularly memorable was a moment in the 62nd minute when their power play led to a try by Malcolm Marx. "The scrum sessions this week were hard – both packs put in the work," Kolisi shared, hinting at the intense preparations. "It was very competitive, which was good, and I think the guys are ready for the weekend."
"It was tough to see. To create 13 opportunities in the 22 and only take two of them – you don’t get that many chances. Some teams get that maybe in a year, and you rarely get that against the All Blacks."
Despite the frustrations of their last outing where they failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities, Kolisi is optimistic about the rematch. The focus is clear - be more clinical in enemy territory and make those chances count. The All Blacks, on the other hand, showed deadly efficiency, a lesson the Boks are keen to learn from.
With a refreshed backline, the blend of youthful zest and seasoned savvy promises some thrilling rugby. "A lot of the guys people say are youngsters have played here before and some of them have won games here," Kolisi pointed out, dispelling any notions that the new faces are greenhorns. "We don’t have anyone with fewer than 10 caps. Every person is getting an opportunity, and they’re not just being thrown in to learn – we’re going into this game to win."
The stage is set for a riveting encounter at Sky Stadium. Both teams are brimming with talent and ready to duke it out, making this weekend's game a must-watch for rugby aficionados everywhere.
2,199 posts
Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi isn't one to mince words about the Rugby Championship clash in Wellington. After getting a lesson in ruck management from the All Blacks at Eden Park, Kolisi and his crew are gearing up to turn the tables this Saturday. It seems the Boks have done their homework, dissecting the All Blacks' strategy to prep for the breakdown battle ahead.
"We definitely learned from the previous game," confessed Kolisi. "We saw the strategy they used and we’ve made plans for that. We’ll be ready for it this weekend." Adding muscle to their plans, the return of Jasper Wiese is a boost, but Kolisi is wary of the All Blacks' backs who are just as lethal at the breakdown, highlighting Leroy Carter's prowess, a sevens star turned fifteen’s terror.
The Springboks' scrum also showed some steel, particularly memorable was a moment in the 62nd minute when their power play led to a try by Malcolm Marx. "The scrum sessions this week were hard – both packs put in the work," Kolisi shared, hinting at the intense preparations. "It was very competitive, which was good, and I think the guys are ready for the weekend."
"It was tough to see. To create 13 opportunities in the 22 and only take two of them – you don’t get that many chances. Some teams get that maybe in a year, and you rarely get that against the All Blacks."
Despite the frustrations of their last outing where they failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities, Kolisi is optimistic about the rematch. The focus is clear - be more clinical in enemy territory and make those chances count. The All Blacks, on the other hand, showed deadly efficiency, a lesson the Boks are keen to learn from.
With a refreshed backline, the blend of youthful zest and seasoned savvy promises some thrilling rugby. "A lot of the guys people say are youngsters have played here before and some of them have won games here," Kolisi pointed out, dispelling any notions that the new faces are greenhorns. "We don’t have anyone with fewer than 10 caps. Every person is getting an opportunity, and they’re not just being thrown in to learn – we’re going into this game to win."
The stage is set for a riveting encounter at Sky Stadium. Both teams are brimming with talent and ready to duke it out, making this weekend's game a must-watch for rugby aficionados everywhere.