Ethan Hooker: Springboks Star Named Man of the Match, Explains What It Means to Face All Blacks

• Springbok wing Ethan Hooker was named Man of the Match after South Africa's 29-24 win over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium
• The victory, watched by 85,976 spectators, gave the Springboks a 2-1 lead in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series ahead of the final Test in Baltimore
• The South African rugby star spoke to SuperSport after the game, reflecting on what it takes to face a New Zealand side of that calibre

Springbok wing Ethan Hooker has described the experience of facing New Zealand as unlike anything else in rugby, following South Africa's hard-fought 29-24 victory over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The world champions secured the result in front of 85,976 spectators, moving to a 2-1 series lead ahead of the final Test in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, scheduled to take place in Baltimore, USA.

Hooker plays down personal role

Hooker claimed the Man of the Match award after a commanding display, particularly in aerial contests and defensive contributions, though the 23-year-old was quick to redirect credit toward his teammates.

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"I'm absolutely loving it," Hooker told SuperSport. "New Zealand are such a quality team, so when they come on to the park you've got to give it everything for 80 minutes – all 15 players plus the bench. We have so much respect for them as a nation and we know when we come on to the pitch, we've got to give it our all."

Despite the individual recognition, Hooker was measured when assessing his own performance. He framed his contribution as a product of circumstance rather than individual brilliance.

"It's one of those games where I was fortunate enough for the ball to come my way. The flow of the game happens like that sometimes," he said.

"We talk about it as a team, just giving it everything for South Africa, for our people, for our families, and at the end of the day if I feel like I am after the game like I am now, then I know I've done my job."

Discipline and physicality key against All Blacks

With New Zealand renowned for their fast-tempo attack and ability to stretch defensive structures, the Springboks were put under sustained pressure throughout the contest. Hooker said the team's approach centred on staying aggressive rather than absorbing the threat.

"New Zealand are a team that like to shift the ball. We know that we have to build some phases against them, stay disciplined, stay fighting and get those dominant tackles," he said. "Credit to them – they're an incredible nation, and I love playing against them."

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The series decider in Baltimore will determine which side claims bragging rights in one of rugby's most celebrated rivalries.

Source: Briefly News