Springbok No 8 Elrigh Louw says the world champions are raring to go in anticipation of a massive onslaught from Australia on Saturday following last week’s big win in Brisbane.
Louw will earn his second start in the green and gold jumper when Rassie Erasmus’ charges face the Wallabies at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
He is one of only five players to retain their places in the starting XV from the 33-7 victory at Suncorp Stadium, and is relishing the opportunity to run out once again.
“The Wallabies will definitely come back better,” Louw said. “They’ll sharpen up their game and we’re ready for that.
“For us it will be important not to be caught out by their tactics and plans, so we just have to go out there and execute our game to the best of our ability.”
“I certainly got a bit of confidence from last week with my first start and I know what to expect this week,” he added. “I can’t really change much in the way I play, but I can go out there and give my best for the team.
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“Everyone has a role to play in the team, and looking back in my career, there isn’t much of a difference between playing No 8 and flanker. As a player I just like to have my hands on the ball and to try to play my game.”
With intense competition for places in the Bok No 8 position with Jasper Wiese set to return from his suspension and Evan Roos, who is currently recovering from surgery, also staking a claim for the position in the next few years, Louw said he understood the bigger picture in the team and that for him it was a case of doing his best when he receives a chance to play.
“We are all aligned in terms of the team plans and as coach Rassie said, he wants to build squad depth and expose some players to top-tier rugby, so my goal this weekend is to do my best and to use this chance,” he said.
Louw was excited about linking up with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, who will earn his first Test start this week: “We played together a little in the Test against Portugal, but we’ve trained well together this week, and that gives us confidence going into the game.”
Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images
The post Louw locked in for ‘sharp’ Wallabies appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
