AUCKLAND – Springbok players Cheslin Kolbe and Elrigh van Staden expressed their enthusiasm for the challenge of facing the All Blacks at Eden Park this weekend, with the team declaration set for Thursday.
Kolbe emphasized the significance of matches against New Zealand, stating, “Every chance I receive to play against the All Blacks, especially with all the history behind matches between the sides, is massive, and that is a sentiment we all share.” He added, “We are facing the No 1-ranked team in the world currently, and as a player, you want to measure yourself against them individually and as a team to see where you are and if you are still on par, so I’m excited.”
Kolbe, who has yet to play at Eden Park, said, “I have also never played at Eden park before, but I’ve heard many great things about it, so I’ll be thrilled if I get the opportunity to play this weekend.”
Van Staden echoed his teammate’s sentiments, noting, “Every Test one plays in the green and gold is big, and no two teams are the same, so we are preparing and also possible for the match.Having the opportunity to play in this match will certainly be special.” He also highlighted the importance of learning from past experiences, saying, “It’s a important stadium for the All Blacks, so anything we can learn from players who have faced New Zealand a few times away in the past, we’ll definitely take to heart.”
Addressing the Springboks’ ancient struggles at Eden Park – their last match there in 2013 resulted in a 29-15 defeat – Kolbe remained focused on the present. “The past is history. There’s nothing we can do about that. All we can do is focus on what we can do now, and whoever gets the chance to play needs to go out there and enjoy the occasion,” he said. ”A lot can change in a season, and the main things for us is to continue improving and developing as a team.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 09h05 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
