Springbok openside flank Marco van Staden believes the All Blacks’ breakdown contesting will be “on another level” at Eden Park on Saturday.
The Boks were rattled at the rucks by the Wallabies in both of their recent Rugby Championship matches, with the defeat at Ellis Park – Australia’s first win in Johannesburg since 1963 – exposing shortcomings in this area.
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Van Staden, set to wear the No 6 jersey again, told the media in Auckland on Tuesday that the back-to-back battles with the Aussies were a timely wake-up call.
“The Wallabies came at us hard at the breakdowns, and it was very good preparation for the first Test against New Zealand. There were a few tough lessons, and we took them to heart.
“The breakdowns are just as important a part of the All Blacks’ game, on attack and defence, and it’s one of our main focus points in preparation for Saturday’s Test.”
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While Van Staden has 29 Test caps, this will be his first time facing the All Blacks in New Zealand. Saturday’s match will also mark Ardie Savea’s 100th Test, something the Bok fetcher expects will inspire the hosts.
“They will draw great motivation from Ardie’s milestone,” he said. “I haven’t played much against him, but we all know what an outstanding player he is. He’s also a wonderful person off the field, and we have great respect for him.”
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Van Staden admitted the Boks don’t know as much about other Kiwi loose forwards such as Du’Plessis Kirifi and Simon Parker since leaving Super Rugby, but added that the team has done its homework and “has a good idea of what to expect” regardless of who the All Blacks pick.
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
