Springboks Gear Up for Eden Park Clash Against All Blacks in Biggest Test Since 2023 World Cup

• The Springboks arrived in Auckland just before midnight, settling into their first days of preparation ahead of a match that promises intensity and high stakes
• Inside the camp, excitement is building, with players focused on training sessions that will sharpen them for what assistant coach Tony Brown describes as a major challenge
• With the iconic Eden Park looming, the squad is aware that every detail will count as they get ready to face a formidable opponent next week

The Springboks are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland next Saturday, a clash assistant coach Tony Brown describes as their toughest test since lifting the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

South Africa narrowly defeated their trans-Tasman rivals 12-11 in the World Cup final, securing back-to-back titles and their fourth overall.

With the All Blacks unbeaten at Eden Park since 1994, Brown anticipates another fiercely contested encounter.

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Settling in and training ahead of Test

The South African squad arrived in Auckland just before midnight on Wednesday and spent Thursday on recovery and gym work. On Friday, they hit the training field for the first time this week, with a second session scheduled before transitioning into full Test-match preparation on Monday.

Brown said: “This is arguably the biggest fixture since the World Cup final, so there’s a real buzz among the players. Both teams will be desperate to win, which should make for a thrilling contest.”

Despite having claimed victory in their last four meetings with New Zealand, Brown acknowledged the challenge of playing on All Blacks’ home turf, but stressed the squad’s eagerness to embrace it.

“The atmosphere in camp is one of excitement. Eden Park is legendary, and the record there adds an extra layer of motivation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves,” he added.

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Margins and momentum

The former All Black flyhalf highlighted how fine the margins are at this level, noting that every detail counts in high-pressure encounters. With all four teams in the competition closely matched, Brown stressed the need for focus and composure if the Springboks are to come away with a landmark win.

Who is part of the squad?

Number 8 Jasper Wiese, currently serving a suspension following a red card against Italy, will be eligible for the Wellington clash.

Kolisi, sidelined due to injury for the Cape Town game, has been cleared to return, along with Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Willie le Roux, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Former Springboks captain questions Erasmus's tactics

Briefly News previously reported that former Springboks skipper Jean de Villiers has questioned Rassie Erasmus’s tactics, suggesting fans care more about results than attractive rugby.

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Former Springboks captain Jean de Villiers questions team tactics

Speaking on the Off the Ball podcast, the ex-centre with 109 Test caps said the Springboks’ priority should be winning, not necessarily entertaining.

While acknowledging the importance of pleasing supporters, he argued that most South Africans would take victory “even if it’s boring and ugly at times.”

Source: Briefly News