Siya Kolisi says the Springboks are just as motivated as the All Blacks as the world champions look to take a significant step towards the Rugby Championship title against their arch-rivals at Ellis Park.
The Springboks will go in search of their third victory in as many games and attempt to stretch their lead at the top of the Rugby Championship table in front of a sell-out crowd at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Should the Boks come out on top, it will be just the second time in the professional era that they have claimed three wins in a row over the All Blacks.
There is also the potential for South Africa to win the Freedom Cup over the next two games for the first time since 2009.
“We’re motivated for tomorrow. We want to win tomorrow,” Kolisi said. “That takes us closer to winning the Freedom Cup. That’s all we’re thinking about. Everything else, in the future, we will see after this.
“Tomorrow is a big game for us. A lot of people say that they have a lot of motivation, but we also have a lot of motivation. They’ve beaten us a lot of times in Joburg. Some of us in this group played in the 57-0 defeat which we will never forget.
“So tomorrow is an important game for us and we have a lot to play for. That’s all we’ve been focusing on, tomorrow.”
The Bok captain warned they expected a tough encounter against the side they last faced in the 2023 World Cup final in France.
Kolisi expects a battle between the back rows and is looking forward to going toe-to-toe with close friend and All Blacks star Ardie Savea.
“The feeling is mutual. It’s not hidden,” Kolisi said. “We are very good friends off the field. We get along very well and we keep in touch all the time. We respect each other, but we do that on the field by making sure that we give everything that we have.
“That’s been the rivalry between us and New Zealand. Yes, on the field we give everything that we can and after that there’s mutual respect. Ardie and I have just gotten closer and closer over the years.
“People wonder if we are going to go half-heartedly at each other, but it’s never like that. I will get his respect by giving him everything I can.
“It’s always a tough battle, especially now with Sam Cane back in the squad. He’s been a warrior for them over the years. It’s going to be a proper battle.”
Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
