VIDEO: Louw's view on 'Cape Crusaders'
The Springboks are on the cusp of making history when they take on the All Blacks in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
A win for South Africa will mean that the back-to-back World Champions will bag the Rugby Championship title and clinch the Freedom Cup for the time since 2009.
It will also mark a fourth straight win for the Springboks over the old foe the All Blacks.
Springboks’ 31-27 win at Ellis Park last weekend was their third in a row over the arch-rivals after they beat them 35-7 a Twickenham and 12-11 at the World Cup Final in 2023 in Paris.
It is only the second time in history that they have won four matches in succession against the All Blacks.
They last won four in succession between 1937 and 1949 – when the Boks went on to win six consecutive Tests against the Kiwis.
However, it will be a difficult task for the men in Green and Gold as they take on the All Blacks.
New Zealand will not only be desperate to bounce back but they will have extra motivation in a city where they have traditionally enjoyed strong support.
The two teams last locked horns in the city in 2017, with the All Blacks recording a narrow 25-24 at Newlands Stadium.
Acknowledging the All Blacks’ massive support in the Mother City, Springbok loose forward Elrigh Louw stated it will not impact how his team approach the match.
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“Cape Town is renowned for their All Blacks supporters,” said Springbok loose forward Louw.
“Obviously the people’s support means a lot to us when we are on the field.
“But I don’t think we can distinguish between who is shouting for us or who is against us.
“So I don’t think that will play a big factor in our motivation or the way we perform on the field.”
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‘The dream come true’
Louw was part of the Springboks bench and got his first taste of the great rivalry when he faced New Zealand for the first time in his career last weekend.
The 24-year-old replaced Jasper Wiese in the 43rd minute and was one of the key figures in the bomb squad that helped the Springboks claw their way back from 17-27 down to claim a historic win.
“For me, it was a massive dream come true.
“Playing the All Blacks and then for it to be at Ellis Park – it was a massive day,” said Louw, who was schooled in Vanderbijlpark, just an hour’s drive from Ellis Park
“For me, it would be No.1 at this stage of my rugby career. I don’t think it gets much bigger than playing the All Blacks at Ellis Park and also the comeback to get the win.”
He added: “We were prepared to play 80 minutes.
“We had good energy from the bench. I don’t think they [the All Blacks] were tired, I just think we were prepared to play the whole 80 and things went our way.”
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His sidestep of All Blacks wing Mark Telea was one of his most impressive contributors.
“We always trying to evolve our game,” said Louw.
“The people were shouting at me why didn’t I pass but I told them one thing at a time, I can’t step and the pass as well.” he joked.
Even though Louw put in a massive performance, his teammate No.8 Wiese was a standout in his return to the starting XV and is probably sure to get the nod ahead of Louw for the upcoming Test.
However waiting for his turn to shine does not deter Louw, who praised the healthy competition. i
“Competition in a squad is always good and healthy,” said Louw.
“We are building something special. Three guys can slot into one position at any time so that is very healthy and good.
“Me and Jasper have a good relationship, I enjoy his company and how he plays. So there is nothing bad about the competition.”
The Springboks will name their squad for the Rugby Championship Round Four match on Thursday.
* Picture credit: Suresh Rajcoomar
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