Boks covering all their bases
Last week Vaea Fifita burst onto the scene like a an out-of-control meteor, while Damian McKenzie is one of the most hyped players in the game.
There are the famed Barrett brothers – Jordie, Beauden and Scott – not to mention the host of established stars like Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Kieran Read, Sam Cane, Samuel Whitelock, Israel Dagg, Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams, to mention but a few.
However, Springbok wing Courtnall Skosan – talking ahead of their Rugby Championship showdown with the All Blacks in Albany on Saturday – said they are not going to get caught in the hype surrounding the big names in the opposition camp.
He said the last six games – three wins against France, two victories against Argentina and last week's draw against the Wallabies – have been a "big learning curve" for the Boks.
"We are getting to know each other," he said of the Bok back three – which include Andries Coetzee and Raymond Rhule.
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"We challenge each other to get better all the time."
When asked about the big-name players in the All Black team, especially their back three, Skosan said they must be prepared for the entire team.
"The All Blacks have special players in the whole squad, so whoever plays, they'll be having quality players on the field," the wing said.
" I don't think we should focus on just one guy, or three guys, it's a team effort at the end of the day.
"If we can cover all our bases as a team, hopefully we can get the result [victory] on the weekend."
Skosan also dismissed the notion that not playing at Eden Park in Auckland – where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994 – make any difference.
He said the All Blacks will pose the same threats at the North Harbour stadium in Albany as they would have if the game had been at Eden Park.
"It's another game at the end of the day and it's 80 minutes that we need to see off.
"Obviously when you're at home you have the advantage.
"We're still playing an away game and we're still playing the New Zealand side in New Zealand.
"It's going to be a tough challenge for us to get the result," Skosan said.
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