All Blacks out to ‘win and shut them up’ as Springboks series looms

New Zealand centre Quinn Tupaea says the All Blacks’ clearest route to handling the hostile atmosphere in South Africa is to beat the Springboks and “shut” their passionate home support “up” during the upcoming four-Test Greatest Rivalry tour.

The All Blacks will face South Africa in a blockbuster series of four matches, with Tupaea fully aware of the intensity that awaits in one of rugby’s most intimidating environments.

Speaking on the DSPN Rugby podcast, the midfielder described the prospect of running out in South Africa as both challenging and energising, especially at iconic venues such as Ellis Park.

“It’s different over there. Driving into Ellis Park and everyone is booing you and knocking on the bus, but it’s an exciting prospect,” Tupaea said.

He praised the fervour of Springbok supporters, while stressing that silencing them on the scoreboard is the All Blacks’ most effective response.

“They create an awesome atmosphere over there. You’ve got to give it to them. They’re loud supporters and they really get into you.

“There’s a true home-ground advantage, but the best thing you can do over there is win and just shut them up.”

Tupaea’s comments come as New Zealand step up preparations for a tour being billed as the “Greatest Rivalry”, with four consecutive Tests set to renew one of rugby’s oldest and most fiercely contested match-ups.

Jacobson: Series winners can claim ‘best in the world’

Flanker Luke Jacobson, who is tipped to start the opening Test of the series, believes South Africa are justified in their current status but insists the All Blacks see themselves on the same level.

Asked on the same podcast by host Martin Devlin whether New Zealand could win the four-Test showdown, Jacobson did not hesitate.

“Yeah,” Jacobson replied.

“They’ve got the right to call themselves the best in the world at the moment, but we think we’re right up there.

“Whoever walks away with the series, you’ve got to say, is the best team in the world heading into next year and the World Cup.”

Jacobson’s assessment underlines the significance being attached to the tour on both sides, with the outcome expected to shape the global pecking order heading into the next international season and the build-up to the World Cup.

The All Blacks’ preparations have also included coaching tweaks, with New Zealand recalling a former assistant coach specifically for the Springbok showdown, while South Africa head into the series under the guidance of “innovative” director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, who has drawn recent praise from the All Blacks’ coaching staff.

For Tupaea, though, the focus remains on embracing the challenge of South African venues, feeding off the intensity of the crowd – and, ultimately, quietening them.

From the hostile welcome outside the stadium to the roar inside it, he expects every element of the environment to favour the Springboks, but believes that is precisely what makes victory there so satisfying for an All Blacks side keen to reassert themselves at the very top of the world game.