All Blacks flanker Ethan Blackadder misses touring the Republic and is relishing another chance to lock horns with Springbok powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
Speaking in the buildup to the Rugby Championship rematch between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday, Blackadder appreciated the opportunity to face the world champions on their turf while bemoaning the rarity.
The 29-year-old played for the Crusaders against the DHL Stormers at Newlands in Super Rugby 2019, but South Africa’s exit from the southern hemisphere competition has limited what were regular clashes for Kiwi teams and players to the Test arena.
On potentially facing former World Player of the Year and two-time world champion Du Toit down the blindside channel this week, Blackadder on Monday told reporters: “I’m not sure what the [Bok] team will be but if I get a shot, it’s always good to match yourself against a world-class player, isn’t it? I’d relish it.
“I think everyone misses the South African games and tours, it’s a bit gutting that it hasn’t continued. So when we do get opportunities like this, which is rare, you’re testing yourself against the world champs, and a team that plays physical rugby.
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“Gutting that it’s not regular but exciting that we can do it [this year]. Who knows when the next tour is, in two years’ time I’m thinking?”
“We don’t often get to play the Springboks [in South Africa] and SA is such a cool place to play rugby,” he added. “As an international player this is where you want to be, and these are the matches you want to be involved in. It’s very special.”
The Kiwis had looked likely winners last week in Johannesburg, outscoring the hosts by four tries to one at one stage, but Rassie Erasmus’ men overturned a 10-point deficit in the final 12 minutes to triumph at Ellis Park.
Head coach Scott Robertson bemoaned moments of ill-discipline, and Blackadder agreed, adding: “We’re focusing on small margins and finishing the game; we couldn’t quite close it out the way we wanted to and that’s what we’re striving to do – finish the job.
“We started the game well… and whether it was through errors or ill-discipline [from us the Springboks] got back into the game and down into our half. It’s about nullifying that, being squeaky clean, and not letting them play the way they want to.
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“Rugby’s a simple game and if you nullify that, teams can’t come back. We’re excited because we know we were pretty close in Saturday’s game, so the motivation is high to get it right for the second.”
Son of former All Black skipper and Crusaders legend Todd Blackadder, Ethan was asked on Monday if his father has any advice to help his countrymen bounce back.
Now head coach of Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus, Todd played 12 Tests for the All Blacks, and captained the Crusaders to three Super Rugby titles during his time with the franchise.
“Spoke to Dad a couple of days ago, we talk all the time… we’re pretty tight,” Blackadder said. “He’s chipping away in Japan during the pre-season. No tips yet but it’s still early in the week, could be one by Friday or Saturday.”
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
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