Orlando Pirates Fan and Springboks Star Embraces Soweto Atmosphere Ahead of All Blacks Clash

• Kurt-Lee Arendse confirmed the Springboks squad spent their Johannesburg training week addressing defensive weaknesses exposed in the first two Tests
• The Springboks winger returns to the starting line-up for the third Test after missing the second match due to concussion protocols
• The Orlando Pirates fan revealed his personal connection to FNB Stadium, which he last visited for the 2023 Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs

Springbok winger Kurt-Lee Arendse says the squad has spent the week addressing the defensive vulnerabilities that cost them in the opening two Tests against the All Blacks, insisting they are prepared to contain New Zealand's attack when the series decider kicks off at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

New Zealand's back line caused significant problems for South Africa in both the Ellis Park and DHL Stadium fixtures, but Arendse says the team responded directly in training sessions held in Johannesburg ahead of the third and final Test.

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Arendse acknowledged that the All Blacks pose a significant attacking threat but said South Africa had worked on specific measures to counter New Zealand's strengths. He stressed that the Springboks had also concentrated on correcting their own shortcomings and improving their ability to shut down the opposition.

The winger added that defensive improvement remains a weekly priority for the team. He said the squad had used their latest training session to address areas that were lacking in the previous weekend's matches and strengthen their defensive structure to limit New Zealand's scoring opportunities.

Kolbe shifts to fullback as Arendse returns

For Saturday’s clash, Cheslin Kolbe will shift to fullback after Damian Willemse was ruled out with an injury, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the starting backline after missing the second Test under concussion protocols.

Arendse dismissed concerns that the positional change could affect the team’s back-three combination.

He said he is familiar with playing alongside Kolbe at fullback and believes the change will have little impact, with the pair already communicating effectively during training.

Pirates fan relishes the Soweto cauldron

A sell-out crowd is expected at the venue that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, with Arendse, a confessed Orlando Pirates supporter, admitting that the occasion holds special significance for him.

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Arendse expects a vibrant atmosphere at FNB Stadium, drawing on his previous experience at the venue during the 2023 Soweto Derby. He believes the intensity and excitement from that occasion will be replicated when South Africa take on the All Blacks this weekend.

Saturday’s third Test gives South Africa the chance to secure the series after the opening two matches produced contrasting results.

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Briefly News also reported that Rassie Erasmus had admitted the Springboks were feeling the pressure before the Ellis Park showdown with the All Blacks.

Erasmus said ahead of the Test that he was nervous, while describing New Zealand's approach as fast and intense. He also warned that the All Blacks wanted to move the ball quickly and challenge South Africa around the breakdown.

Source: Briefly News