Springboks backline coach Mzwandile Stick says they are looking forward to the New Zealand challenge as both sides get their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaigns underway this weekend in Tokyo.
Having been building up to this moment for the past three to six months, the former Blitz Bokke star captain Stick, says they could not have been any better prepared for the tournament.
Stick adds they also hope that the match officials will respect the game and mediate the games in fairness.
Top teams such as New Zealand, France, Wales and England are countries that are always in the center of controversial world cup decisions as proven from previous campaigns.
The former Eastern Province juniors’ coach, Stick, adds that there would not be much to separate the teams on merit anyway due to the nature of competitions amongst each other.
Having beaten and drawn with New Zealand in their last three matches, Boks flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit believes that knowing that they have achieved those results against their archrivals will boost their confidence going into their clash.
Du Toit says they have focused a lot on their own play and how to execute when it matters the most.
With a number of fans believing that both the Springboks and New Zealand were holding a lot back in their 16-all draw in Wellington, Du Toit banished those claims.
The 27-year-old Du Toit adds that every team always wants to win when they are playing against the best teams in the world. – Report by Thando Gqamane
Mzwandile Stick hopes that the officials treat the teams equally at the @rugbyworldcup.#RWC2019 #NZLvRSA pic.twitter.com/qwZI4k2dva
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) September 16, 2019
Mzwandile Stick on what coach Felix Jones has added to the @Springboks environment. #RWC2019 #NZLvRSA pic.twitter.com/3avjwz0b1H
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) September 16, 2019
