Boks relishing four-Test All Blacks challenge in Greatest Rivalry series

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says South Africa are embracing the challenge of facing the All Blacks four times in one season, with the first Test of the Greatest Rivalry series taking place at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Stick spoke to the media after the Springboks completed their on-field preparations for the opening match between the two rugby giants. He described the series as a “special tournament” and said the scale of the contest was exactly what South Africa’s players wanted.

“Playing four games in one season against the All Blacks is always going to be a great challenge,” said Stick.

The meeting at Ellis Park will be the first of four matches between the sides in the same season. Stick said the importance of every fixture gave the series a similar intensity to the British & Irish Lions series and the knockout stages of the World Cup.

“These are moments that we live for. The closest thing to the Greatest Rivalry in terms of a series where every game counts is probably the British & Irish Lions series, or the knockout stages of the World Cup, and our mindset for these games will draw on those experiences.”

South Africa’s coaching staff are also focused on ensuring the team continues to develop during the demanding run of matches. Stick said the responsibility of representing the country remained central to the squad, while acknowledging the form of their opponents.

“Representing our country is something we don’t take for granted. We know it’s going to be a tough challenge. The All Blacks are in a good space and have been playing very well. But from our side, we also want to keep improving and evolving, and we will never be comfortable. It doesn’t get tougher than playing against the All Blacks four weeks in a row, and we are excited about it.”

The first Test follows the Springboks’ final preparations on the field, with Ellis Park set to host the opening encounter in a series in which every game carries particular significance.

Stick’s comments underline South Africa’s determination to treat the contest as more than a single match. The Springboks will draw on the experience of high-pressure British & Irish Lions series and World Cup knockout fixtures as they begin their campaign against an All Blacks side he believes has been playing very well.

For Stick, however, the challenge is also an opportunity. South Africa want to continue improving and evolving, while refusing to become comfortable, as they prepare for four consecutive weeks of rugby against one of their toughest opponents.