Rookie All Blacks duo braced for Bok 'backlash'
SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks duo Leroy Carter and Simon Parker highlighted the areas they expect the Boks to challenge them in a crucial match in the Greatest Rivalry series at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
A win for New Zealand would guarantee at least a series draw with four Tests being played in as many weeks.
However, should the Boks get their revenge, the series would be level, which would set up a humdinger at FNB Stadium next week.
Parker is under no illusion that the World Champions will come back stronger following the result at Ellis Park last weekend but warned that the All Blacks also have some unfinished business regarding certain areas of their game they weren’t happy with.
“Everyone is expecting a response from the Boks, but we also, as a group, expect a response from our side,” Parker said.
“There are areas we didn’t get right last week, so we’ve got a chance now to get some of those things right on the weekend.”
The Chiefs loose forward said he’s relishing the opportunity to go up against returning Bok captain Siya Kolisi and compared the South African skipper to their own in Ardie Savea.
“Yeah, I guess it’s every forward’s role going up against the Boks [to physically match them]; we saw last week how physical they can be.
“It’s a great opportunity to go up against the world’s best.”
Regarding Kolisi’s return, Parker added: “It’s massive [for South Africa], I think it’s similar to Ardie [Savea] coming back for us.
“He’s an inspirational leader for them, and he’s got a good work ethic, so it’s going to be a good battle.”
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Winger Carter echoed Parker’s feelings about a potential Bok comeback and emphasised the importance of putting the result aside and shifting their focus to the next task.
“After a win like that at Ellis Park, you’re obviously on quite a high, and it’s important to celebrate those wins.
“Come Monday, we had our mental focus of just resetting, starting our week over and just building that way.
“We know the Boks will come out seeking revenge; our focus was just on resetting, starting this week over and getting what we needed out of the Ellis Park game to work on and hopefully put it out on the paddock on Saturday.”
Carter will be directly up against Cheslin Kolbe after recovering from a hamstring and ankle niggle and is a late change to the Springbok side following the withdrawal of Kurt-Lee Arendse, who suffered a concussion in the first Test.
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Kolbe is one of the best under the high ball, and for Carter, the goal is to go out and do his absolute best against the double world champion.
“Yeah, just try and catch it, hey, it’s been the goal for a while,” Carter said lightheartedly when asked about the aerial battle.
“We’re putting plenty of work into it, and sometimes we’re not getting the scraps right, and they have some good wingers in the air to be fair.
“We just got to get up into the air and catch it.”
The winger also highlighted the difference he experienced playing against South Africa compared to other nations.
“Just their physicality; they’re a big, physical team. On the other side of that, their backs possess elite feet…good footwork.
“For us, I guess it’s just the intensity of these Test matches. Both teams know what they are going to be walking into.”
