New Zealand front-row powerhouses Codie Taylor and George Bower can’t wait to pack down against the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The first of two Tests between the traditional rivals in the Rugby Championship will be played at Ellis Park, and in Cape Town a week later.
Following their win when the two teams met in Paris less than a year ago, the Boks are looking to claim three wins in a row over the All Blacks for just the second time in the professional era, matching the record set in 2009.
Taylor is relishing being back on South African soil ahead of this week’s clash on the Highveld, saying the adaptation to altitude has been helped by arriving in the Republic earlier than usual.
“We should be humming by Tuesday to have a good run around,” the veteran hooker was quoted on the official All Blacks website. “You have to get out there, get stuck into it and have some fun.
“It’s always special coming here, such a unique rivalry. They’re the best in the world and they’re playing like it, so it’s going to be an awesome challenge for us as a team.
“But, I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks being over here and what’s going to happen.”
Bower, who replaced injured loosehead prop Ethan de Groot on the eve of the trip, is grateful for the chance to be involved in the blockbuster showdowns.
ALSO: Eben doubtful amid Bok lock ‘hoodoo’
“I got the phone call on Wednesday, so I’m excited about the next two weeks and about being a part of it,” he said.
“I’ve only played at Ellis Park once, that was the last time we played in 2022 and that was an awesome, awesome win. It was one of my favourite games I’ve been a part of.”
Bower said the traditional rivalry between the sides made it a unique feature of Test rugby: “It’s a rivalry that dates back long before I was born, and it’s a rich history in terms of rugby and the relationship between the two countries.
“You always come here as a Kiwi, and they really respect you, but then on the field, they give you the best challenge ever.
“And the supporters here, they love the All Blacks as well. They’re very respectful and get behind us as well. They’re awesome.”
All Blacks strength and conditioning coach Nic Gill, meanwhile, believes the approach at their first training session in Joburg on Sunday after their arrival was to get everyone into the right time zone.
“This time of the week is just about getting the body right,” he explained.
“We fly a long way, it’s a big time shift and it’s just getting the body moving and [having] a bit of fun.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post All Blacks fired up to get stuck into Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
