Ben-Jason Dixon is relishing every moment as the Springbok forward prepares to face the All Blacks for the first time in his career on Saturday.
Dixon is preparing for his toughest test in the green and gold when he runs out against South Africa’s arch-nemesis at a sold-out Ellis Park.
The 26-year-old will form the back row with captain Siya Kolisi and recalled No 8 Jasper Wiese.
“It’s a dream come true because as a youngster I was a Bok fan and you plan your Saturday around Test matches, so to be able to experience playing against them is something I’m really looking forward to,” Dixon said of the All Blacks.
“There were some nerves earlier in the week, but we’ve been training with a lot of urgency and intensity this week, although it is not different to any other Test week.”
On the back of impressive campaigns for the DHL Stormers, Dixon made his Test debut in the season opener against Wales at Twickenham and has since become a regular feature in the Springbok squad.
“I’m living in the moment and the excitement of it all right now,” he said. “I don’t think everything has fully sunken in, so I’m just trying to soak it all up and enjoy it.”
The third-round Rugby Championship clash will be the first time the Boks face the All Blacks since the 12-11 victory in the World Cup final in Paris.
“I watched it a few times and I saw what Pieter-Steph du Toit did (in that game),” Dixon said.
“Obviously, I don’t play the same type of game as he does, but the way he played certainly gave me a lot of confidence.”
The Springboks have been boosted by the availability of centurion lock Eben Etzebeth, who takes a place on the bench after being passed fit to play.
“What stood out for me the first time I chatted to Eben was the way he got himself up for games and his competitiveness and desire to win,” said Dixon.
“The more experience he gets, the hungrier he gets to win, and he wears his heart on his sleeve in the way he plays, so I definitely feed off that energy as a player. Having him in the squad simplifies my job a little bit too.”
Photo: Paul Harding/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
