Carter urges All Blacks to embrace Ellis Park pressure against Springboks

Dan Carter has urged New Zealand to embrace the intense atmosphere at Ellis Park when the All Blacks begin their Greatest Rivalry series against South Africa on Saturday.

The former New Zealand fly-half, who won 112 Test caps between 2003 and 2015, knows from experience how difficult it is to face the Springboks on their own territory. The opening Test is being played at a venue renowned for its passionate support of South Africa and its green-and-gold jersey.

Carter said the experience could be intimidating, but insisted that the pressure and hostility were also part of what made playing for the All Blacks special.

“I played the Springboks a number of times in South Africa, and they were always some of the toughest games,” Carter said.

“There’s an incredible energy in those stadiums. You’re playing a hugely physical side in front of passionate supporters on their home turf, and at times it feels like everything is against you.”

That is the challenge facing Dave Rennie’s side in Johannesburg, particularly at Ellis Park, where the home support is expected to create one of the most demanding environments in world rugby.

New Zealand have enjoyed a successful tour so far in terms of results. They have defeated every South African United Rugby Championship team they have faced, while also giving members of their extended squad valuable playing time.

However, Carter believes those victories will provide only limited indication of how the All Blacks will perform against the Springboks. He said the visitors must accept the conditions rather than allow the atmosphere to unsettle them.

“But looking back, those are also the moments that show what being an All Black is all about,” he said.

“You have to block out the noise, embrace the pressure and trust the preparation that’s gone in.”

The former No 10 also stressed the importance of discipline and collective focus once the match begins.

“Stay connected, focus on your role and execute in the moment.

“Those are the games where you get the opportunity to show the Springboks–and the world – who the All Blacks are.”

The first Test of the Greatest Rivalry series will therefore provide New Zealand with a significantly tougher examination than the matches against the South African United Rugby Championship sides earlier in the tour.

Carter’s message is that the All Blacks should view Ellis Park’s intimidating atmosphere as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. South Africa’s physical approach, the backing of the home supporters and the pressure of the occasion will all test the visitors from the opening whistle.

The All Blacks’ response to that environment will be clear when the two sides meet on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 17:10.