All Blacks look back to 2022 for inspiration

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks’ victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in 2022 is still very fresh in the players’ minds.

Scott Robertson’s side is busy preparing for their Rugby Championship Round Three clash in Johannesburg on Saturday and they will enter the match as underdogs.

The Springboks head into the fixture with momentum on their side after two bonus-point wins in Australia.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks suffered an opening-round defeat to Los Pumas in New Zealand before bouncing back against the same opponents a week later.

The Springboks and All Blacks’ most recent meeting at Ellis Park ended in a 35-23 victory for the visitors and it’s a result that is giving them confidence ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

“That was an awesome win and one of my favourite games I’ve been a part of,” said prop George Bower, who has joined the squad to replace the injured Ethan de Groot.

“It’s a big challenge but we know we can win [at Ellis Park] and I’m excited.”

On the Springboks v All Blacks rivalry, Bower added: “It’s a rivalry that dates back long before I was born.

“It’s a rich history in terms of rugby and also the relationship between the two countries as well.

“You come here as a Kiwi and the players respect you but then on the field, they give you the best challenge ever and there are plenty of supporters here that love the All Blacks as well and they get behind us.”

Veteran hooker Codie Taylor echoed his teammate’s sentiments.

“It’s always special coming here,” said Taylor.

“Such a unique rivalry, they’re the best team in the world and they’re playing like it so it’s going to be a massive challenge for us as a team.”

Meanwhile, young loose forward Wallace Sititi has been gathering some information from his teammates on what it will be like to play at Ellis Park.

“They said the fans do it different here. Good atmosphere and really loud, so I’m excited to experience that,” Sititi said.

Source: @RNZSport

80 in 80 | Before there was Forsyth Barr, there was Carrisbrook 🏟️

Throwin’ it back 25 years vs the Springboks#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/oqG3Ikj0mX

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 22, 2024