Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe says there’s no bigger stage in world rugby than facing the All Blacks at Eden Park.
The winger was on Tuesday relishing the chance to measure himself against the No 1-ranked team on the planet.
“For me personally, every opportunity that you get to play against New Zealand is massive,” Kolbe told the media in Auckland on Tuesday.
“I think it’s the same for every other player, playing against the No 1 team in the world currently. And that’s what you want to come up against and measure yourself as an individual and as a team.
“I haven’t played at Eden Park before, but I’ve heard many great talks and memories of those who’ve been here, so I’m super excited to play if that opportunity does come this weekend.”
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The Boks have the psychological edge of four straight wins over their fiercest rivals, while New Zealand are clinging to their incredible 50-Test unbeaten streak at Eden Park.
But Kolbe insists history won’t decide Saturday’s Rugby Championship blockbuster.
“I think the past is the past, you can’t read anything into that. You just need to stay in what’s currently happening.
“There’s a lot that can change within a season and we’ve learned a lot up until now and that’s exactly how we see this game – to keep improving and developing personally and as a group and to just stay focused at every task at hand.”
For Kolbe, the mental side of the showdown is simple.
“Whoever gets the opportunity to wear that green and gold jersey on Saturday needs to make sure that they grab the opportunity; just go out there and express themselves and enjoy the occasion.”
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The Bok speedster says his focus is firmly on preparation.
“If I’m part of the selected group to play on Saturday, it’ll be an unbelievable opportunity and experience. But for me, it’s simple – I’m just focused on what’s in front of me and I’m taking it day by day and practice session by practice session and just taking good confidence into the weekend.”
Meanwhile, Bok flank Marco van Staden says Saturday’s Test ranks right up there in terms of prestige.
“Every Test is a big match for us but this is a big occasion and we are preparing as best we can for it. This is a special Test at a special place.”
Bok leaders Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth are two of the survivors from the last time the Boks played the All Blacks at Eden Park in 2013. Van Staden says they’ll be tapping into that insight.
“Any knowledge of their previous experience [of playing at Eden Park] that they can transfer to us will be valuable to our squad and we will use it to our advantage.”
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Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
