Springbok captain Salmaan Moerat and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick expected an epic battle against Italy in the second Castle Lager Incoming Series Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, and said they needed to “fight fire with fire”.
The Boks started last week’s encounter between the sides at Loftus Versfeld on an encouraging note, building up a 28-3 halftime lead, but the visitors fought back strongly in the second half, ultimately going down 42-24 – something the Springboks were wary of this week.
“They are a very physical team, so it’s going to be a massive game,” said Moerat.
“We are certainly not underestimating them. They are a passionate side that are mainly formed from two clubs, so they have been playing together for a while, and they pride themselves on their set pieces, while they also have quality backs with a good kicking game, and they showed real fight at the breakdowns last week, so we have to fight fire with fire.”
Stick reiterated that message: “Last week we started with good intensity, but they bounced back strongly in the second half. It’s clear how much they have grown since the Six Nations, where they also delivered a few quality performances.
“Adding to this, they have a well-organised kicking game and outside backs with energy, so we need to improve and be much more effective in the way we want to play the game.
“It’s our second official Test match of the season, but we know what our standards are as a team.”
Stick was not concerned about the sweeping changes to the Bok team this week, and said they had faith in each player in the wider squad.
“We trust all the players in our squad, and every player in the team deserves their spot,” said Stick.
“We have also always emphasised the importance of building squad depth, and while some of the players had a chance against the Barbarians and are getting another chance this week, others are receiving their first opportunity.
“Every player knows what our focus is and what needs to be done, so hopefully we can go out there and do the job on Saturday.”
Stick and Moerat were full of praise for fullback Willie le Roux, who will become only the eighth player in history to play 100 Tests for South Africa, and they both shared fond memories of their journey with him.
“To play 100 Test matches is a massive achievement,” said Stick.
“The first time I met Willie was during my sevens rugby days, and if one looks back at what he has been through and how people criticised him in 2019, it makes us very proud of him. Many people don’t see what we see in him as a player and what a smart rugby player he is.”
Moerat added: “I grew up watching Willie play in Paarl and for Boland, and to see him play his 100th Test is unbelievable. To play one Test match for the Springboks is special, but to be selected 100 times shows the quality of the player he is.”
Stick, who hails from New Brighton in the Eastern Cape, was emotional when speaking about what it meant for the team to play in his backyard: “It’s very special because we know what tough times they have been through, not having a franchise nor hosting many matches here.
“We are extremely excited about the passionate support we have been receiving here, and hopefully we can make this a special match for the fans, Willie, the debutants (Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, and Ethan Hooker), and the country as a whole.”
The Bok skipper also praised the passionate support the team has been receiving, with die-hard fans waiting for hours outside the team hotel every day in the hope of spotting the players, and said: “I last played here for the DHL Stormers against the Dragons a few years ago, and since then, there were not many games hosted here, so one can feel the excitement among the locals.
“They are avid rugby supporters, and there are going to come out in numbers, so the vibe at the stadium is going to be great.”
The match kicks off at 17h10 and will be broadcast on SuperSport and SABC 2.
