Kwagga v Ardie: An epic in the making
New Zealand against South Africa remains the ultimate challenge, but within that contest are some personal rivalries that will play out at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.
One of those – a long-standing battle between loose forwards Albertus Stephanus Smith and Ardie Suemalo Savea – dates back to their Under-20 days a decade ago.
The 30-year-old Smith said, for him, the All Blacks will never lose their aura and neither will these duels.
That is one of the reasons he misses not playing Super Rugby – having moved to Japan in 2018.
“You get to know the players better when you play against them regularly,” he told a media briefing in the build-up to the Rugby Championship face-off with the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.
“I love to play against the All Blacks, because it brings out the best in you,” Smith said, adding: “They are a really good side and I am looking forward to it.”
He said the All Blacks remain the ‘biggest rivalry’ for him – especially facing the veteran All Black No.8, Savea.
(WATCH as seasoned Springbok Albertus Stephanus Smith talks about facing off against All Black star Ardie Savea…)
“Ardie [Savea] and I have played against each other at Under-20 level, Sevens, Super Rugby and internationals.
“For me, it is the game that I want to play every year.
“Playing against the All Blacks is the ultimate test.
“The rivalry and the history behind it is what makes this [All Blacks versus Springboks] such an iconic game.”
For the Bok class of 2023, many of the current All Blacks are somewhat of an unknown factor.
Despite that ‘unfamiliarity’, Smith believes it will be another classic All Black versus Springbok encounter and an entertaining affair for the spectators.
“I think it’s going to be an epic match, both teams had a good performance last weekend,” Smith told reporters.
“It’s going to be a tough game.”
The flank expects a tight contest decided by “discipline and who is using their opportunities the most”.
“They are a good team,” Smith said of the current crop of All Blacks, adding: “I wouldn’t say they have a lot of weaknesses, if any.
“I think playing against the All Blacks is the ultimate test at the moment.”
With Eden Park is unavailable – a result of the Women’s soccer World Cup being staged in New Zealand – the game will be at the home of the New Zealand Warriors Rugby League team, Mount Smart.
“It’s a new venue and a new place to play,” Smith said of the stadium in the Auckland suburb of Penrose.
“But the class of rugby will still be the same.
“No matter where it’s played, it’s going to be a high-tempo game.”
Both sides go into Saturday’s game at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium on the back of big wins in the opening round.
The Springboks rumbled past the Wallabies 43-12 in Pretoria last Saturday, the same day the All Blacks brushed Argentina aside 41-12 in Mendoza.
The winner in Auckland will not only take a giant leap towards the Rugby Championship title, but also enhance their reputation as World Cup contenders.
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