The stage is ready for a clash of titans between the two rugby giants and the top two teams in the world rankings (the Springboks are number one and New Zealand are number two) in their third showdown this year.
The All Blacks triumphed in the first encounter 35-20 in Auckland in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, but the Boks bounced back with a 35-7 victory in their last Rugby World Cup warm-up game at Twickenham in August, adding more spice to this match.
Springbok locks Marvin Orie and Jean Kleyn knew the challenge ahead and said they were up for it.
“New Zealand are renowned for their fearless and skillful play,” said Orie.
“They came out firing in Auckland, and we learned from that game and applied it in London, and luckily it worked for us.
“We hope to do the same this weekend, but this is a Rugby World Cup final, and we know it will be a nail-biter.”
With the haka being a key element on matchday between the arch-rivals, Kleyn said it was nothing new to the team, and that they were ready to face it as they always do.
“It’s a wonderful tradition, and for us it’s part of playing a game against the All Blacks,” said Kleyn.
“The game we played against them at Twickenham was the first time I faced the haka. It was an amazing experience and we respected it as a team. On Saturday we’ll stand up to it as we always do and focus on the game.”
When asked about the importance of a strong start to the game given New Zealand’s emphasis on starting their games with a bang, Orie said the Boks knew what they had to do on Saturday as they aim to win back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles and become the first team to win four trophies.
“As the coaches always say, it’s hard to guarantee a fast start because the ball can bounce weirdly sometimes, but what we can control is to start with good intensity and to prepare well in the week,” said Orie.
“We’ve done a lot of analysis on New Zealand, and that included our Rugby Championship game and the game at Twickenham, so hopefully that will help us in ensuring that we can start with intensity this weekend.”
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will announce his matchday squad on Thursday, and while only 23 of the 33 players in the World Cup squad will be selected, Orie said the Springbok team’s mindset that every player had a crucial role to play in steering the team to success made this group very special.
“Rugby, at its core, is a team sport,” said Orie.
“There are 33 players in the World Cup squad and for us it’s important that everyone contributes – not only in case there are injuries, but also to prepare the whole team as well as possible for every game.
“So much analysis goes into the opposition these days and beyond that, we try to prepare one another for exactly what the opposition will bring on the field. I feel it’s very important for a team to operate like that, and hopefully the franchises will use the same model in future.”
On a personal note, Kleyn – who was a member of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup squad in 2019 – said being with the Springboks was truly special, and he enjoyed every minute of the experience and opportunity to be in the group.
“If you had asked me six months ago if there was any chance that I could play for the Springboks in the World Cup final, I would have thought you are crazy,” said Kleyn.
“It was beyond my imagination. It’s awesome being part of this squad. It’s one of the best groups I’ve ever been involved in, and they are passionate about the game and South Africa.”