VIDEO: All Blacks rookie leans on veterans ahead of Ellis Park Test
SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Peter Lakai will receive a baptism of fire when he runs out against the Springboks in the opening Test of the Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park on Saturday.
*Also read: Springboks v All Blacks: Last five Tests
Lakai will face South Africa for the first time in his career, with his Test debut against the World Champions coming at the iconic and notoriously hostile Johannesburg venue.
The explosive loose forward has already featured twice on tour, against the Stormers and in their last outing against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Having never played the Boks at Ellis Park, Lakai said he has been leaning on some of his veteran teammates to get a feel for what could be in store for him.
“I was speaking to some of the boys who have played them; it’s one of the tougher games they’ve played in their careers, the Springboks at Ellis Park,” he said.
“I can’t really speak too much on that rather than just trying to get my prep right and get my mindset right.
“It’s really exciting. They’re the number one team, and Ellis Park is where a few of the boys have said they’ve played their toughest games. To hopefully run out on Saturday would be a privilege.”
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The 23-year-old expects a physical, full-blooded encounter from the Boks and anticipates Rassie Erasmus’s men will come out firing, using their formidable forward pack and set piece to full effect.
Scrums are likely to be a key battleground, with the All Blacks having shown improvements in that area over the past two weeks.
“Obviously, they are a physical team, and I think we can expect their set piece dominance.
“In international rugby, you’re going to come up against pretty good forward packs, and the Springboks have probably been the benchmark for the last few years.
“It will be a tough challenge, but the boys have prepared well, and we’ll be up for it.”
Having played three matches in South Africa, and another three Tests in the Nations Championship, Lakai believes the Greatest Rivalry tour will give the Kiwis a chance to measure their progress under Dave Rennie.
“We had the three games in the Nations Championship, and a few of the tour matches, but now we’re into the Test matches,” he added.
“They are the number one team in the World for a reason, so it’s going to be a good clash on Saturday, and it will be good to see where we’re at as a team.
There will be fierce competition for places in the All Blacks’ loose forward department with the return of captain Ardie Savea.
Rennie will also have Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi and Anton Segner to choose from.
Lakai, who has 10 Test caps to his name, relishes the competition within the squad.
“I guess, for me, it’s just trying to get my rhythm throughout the tour games and trying to get some more minutes under my belt.
“It’s pretty tough competition, and everyone’s playing well. The boys have been good; there’s healthy competition, everyone’s pushing each other, and ultimately, we’re making each other better.”
