Dagg ready for 'hostile enemy base'
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has labelled it 'another classic Springboks-versus-All Blacks Test', a view supported by most pundits.
However, fullback Israel Dagg regards it as far more serious – a war.
Dagg certainly is no stranger to the unique demands of playing in South Africa, but said it is an experience he always relishes.
As an All Blacks Dagg has turned in some memorable individual performances on the Highveld, including a match-winning try at the death two years ago in Soweto.
"I really enjoy it," he said in an interview with New Zealand's 3 News.
"It's always a great battle, always down to the last minute and this is where you want to test yourself," said Dagg.
The unique and 'hostile' challenge presented by playing at Ellis Park – where the All Blacks have won just four times since 1928 – is also one that he is eager to embrace.
"When you're driving there, it's a lot more hostile, people lining the streets having Barbecues [braais] and chanting away.
"It is an eye-opener It's like driving into the enemy base, it's pretty hostile.
"Like I said, it is where you want to test yourself."
Dagg was quick to dismiss any suggestion that this game was a dead rubber, despite the fact that the All Blacks have already secured the Rugby Championship for yet another year.
"It is still a Test. We've put the trophy away but that means nothing," claimed Dagg.
"It's about pride this week, having pride in ourselves and the team. We don't want to let the jersey down."
Hansen, who made two injury-enforced changes to his starting side for Saturday, said the recent history of close matches between the All Blacks and Springboks would ensure there was no complacency.
"This weekend is shaping up to be another classic All Blacks-Springboks Test match with the two top teams in the world going head to head again on the Boks' home patch," he said.
"Even though we have won the Rugby Championship, this is the game we always look forward to playing each year — it's a massive challenge."
The Boks gave New Zealand a scare in a 14-10 defeat in Wellington last month and their most recent encounter at Ellis Park was a pulsating match that the All Blacks won 38-27.
Captain Richie McCaw is in line to set a record for the number of games for the All Blacks – internationals and non-internationals – when he makes his 134th appearance, beating the 133 games played by former lock Colin Meads.
"He is a special player who has played each and every one of those games with a huge amount of commitment, passion and mental fortitude," Hansen said.
McCaw already has the most test caps for New Zealand with 132 and is third on the all-time list behind Australia's George Gregan (139 tests) and Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll (141).
Source: 3 News
