England v Boks: 'It's the most important game of the season'
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his team is determined to hold onto their No.1 spot in the world rankings, as they prepare to face England this weekend.
The Boks have a 1.8-point lead at the top, after their 30-15 victory over Scotland and the All Blacks’ 20-29 loss to Ireland in Dublin.
England will probably represent South Africa’s toughest challenge on tour, but the Boks have built up some momentum with two wins.
“It’s probably the most important game of the season,” Kitshoff told reporters via an online media conference on Monday.
“It’s been a really tough and long year, but there is a lot of energy in the camp at the moment.
“There have been two great results and there has been a lot of good work done during the weeks.
“It’s important for us to keep our number one spot in the world rankings until the international season starts again next year.
“We are just building momentum going into that 2022 season.
“It will be great to go three wins on the trot in the UK,” he said of the Boks achieving a year-end clean-sweep for the first time since 2013.
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The Boks will be heading home to be with their families after Saturday’s match.
While that will be met with some excitement, it won’t distract the team from the task at hand.
“Every Test match that we play is important for us,” said Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids.
“Being No.1 in the world and being No.1 in the world next year is something that really drives the players.
“We go out in every Test match to represent our country to the best of our ability and we will approach this game exactly the same.
“We came through a very tough year with Covid challenges, and this week is just another challenge we will have to overcome and adapt to.
“Playing for our country and playing a Test match against any country in the world on any given day is important for us.
“I think the players are motivated enough to bring their best.”
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