September 6, 13:00IOL

Ethan Hooker discusses the mentality of the Springboks team after defeating the All Blacks in Soweto

Ethan Hooker was named man of the match in the third test match between the Springboks and the All Blacks, which took place on Saturday. He demonstrated dominance in aerial contests, as well as making excellent runs and strong tackles during the winning match.

The Greatest Rivalry in Rugby

Winger Ethan Hooker admitted that the pressure before the third test match at the FNB stadium in Soweto was immense. Both teams understood that a loss in this game would require a victory in the final match of the Greatest Rivalry in Rugby to maintain parity in the series.

After New Zealand won the first match at Ellis Park, and then the world champions leveled the score in Cape Town, the third encounter in Soweto always held great significance for the entire series.

With nearly 90,000 spectators at the stadium, the Boks managed to perform at a crucial moment, managing to come back into the game and beat the All Blacks 29-24, thus taking a 2-1 lead in the series. The team emphasized that they could not afford to lose this rivalry.

For Hooker, who received the man of the match award, the tension surrounding this confrontation was very high. He stated: 'There was quite a bit of pressure, especially after the first game where we lost. We knew that the third game would always be decisive for either team.'

He continued: 'We just said we would give our all in this game. If we win, we win. If we lose, we lose. We will play again next week. But, as I said, we still have next week. There is still one game, and we are focusing all our energy on next week.'

The victory was particularly important for the Springboks, as the team managed to answer the challenge posed by the All Blacks, who started the match with clear determination and tried to take control of the game in the early stages.

Hooker acknowledged that the visitors subjected them to a physical and relentless battle, but this was expected. 'We knew New Zealand would come out aggressively. They are a great rugby nation, we have enormous respect for them, and they certainly showed it. We knew it would be 80 minutes of pure fight, and that's what happened.'

He added that their game plan was to focus more on themselves rather than the opponent and pay attention to what suited the team. 'Going back to basics: our set attack, our tackles, and I think we really paid a lot of attention to that over the week. I think it showed.'

Hooker noted that this experience was unprecedented, and he looks forward to traveling to the United States, as it is his first trip there. 'Today (Saturday) was crazy. Nearly 90,000 people in Soweto was amazing. I am grateful to the people who came today; they really did it. You can't even say a word to your friend ten meters away because they won't hear you.'

He also mentioned the upcoming match: 'Next week will be a neutral venue, so it will be a bit 50/50. However, it will be my first time in America, so that will be great.'

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iol.co.zaSeptember 4, 20:00

Springboks prepare for match against All Blacks, viewing it as a World Cup playoff

Ahead of the upcoming match against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, Springboks players have shown confidence similar to that before a World Cup playoff. The team approaches this confrontation, dubbed the 'Clash in the Calabash,' with a mentality that helped them win major trophies.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stik noted that the team is employing the same tactics that helped them win in the most significant tournaments. In their recent history, there has often been a decisive response following an early defeat.

The Springboks lost their first match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park but managed to balance the series by playing in Cape Town last week. Now that the series score is 1–1, they head to Soccer City, knowing that a victory will bring them closer to winning the series.

Approach to the Series

Stik stated: 'From the beginning, we said we would treat this series like a World Cup playoff campaign.' This mindset explains the stability of the Springboks squad this week, as only changes due to injuries were made to the team that defeated New Zealand in Cape Town.

The All Blacks, in turn, draw confidence from their past success at Highveld in the professional era. Stik understands that the team will not be intimidated by the altitude, and he is also aware of what is at stake for New Zealand. He added: 'If they win tomorrow, they will claim they beat us 2–1 on our ground, so we know exactly what drives them. We also want to defend what we represent as South Africans.'

He emphasized that regardless of the outcome, the winner will gain a real chance to win the broader series during the fourth match in Baltimore, while the losing team will only be able to level the score. Both teams will desperately need a result.

Tactical Aspects of the Match

Stik expects the battle to be very tough, especially in the contest for the ball after contact. 'We were weak in the ball contest in the first match, but we didn't concede any in the second. We still want to improve our play in this area because we know they will target it again with selected players. If we want to create opportunities, we must be clinical in this regard.'

The Springboks also plan to utilize their traditional strengths to limit the attacking potential of the All Blacks. Stik noted: 'Set-piece play is one of our biggest attacking platforms; we want to move forward, we have never been a team that bypasses contact, so if we get opportunities in the scrum or lineout, we will try to dominate.'

He continued that New Zealand will want to keep the ball in play and avoid contesting the ball and set pieces, which aligns with their game plan, but the Springboks know what suits them better.

The South Africans previously followed a similar path to success: they lost matches in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, as well as the 2021 British & Irish Lions series, but then responded with an unbeaten run and ultimately lifted the trophy.

Stik explained that the changes made after the first match were mainly forced, and some were due to injuries. He added that the players understand the series plan, as in such situations at the World Cup, you always want to field the strongest available squad. Although some young players who got a chance to shine were unlucky, several veterans returned from injury and immediately took their positions.

The All Blacks have made adjustments to their squad, although Stik believes the core of their team remains unchanged. 'New Zealand has made a few changes, but you probably know their best 23-man squad, and the core of their team hasn't changed much. They have combinations that work.'

Since the series is tense, Stik believes it lives up to all expectations. 'This rivalry justifies its name, perhaps the best in the world historically, and people get value for their tickets because you never know who will win.'

iol.co.zaAugust 29, 20:51

Siya Kolisi dedicated Springboks' victory over All Blacks to the people of South Africa

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi returned from injury and secured a victory over the All Blacks. This match allowed the Springboks to level the series in the 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' at 1–1 on home ground.

Kolisi expressed gratitude to the people of South Africa for their support, noting that the team managed to recover after the loss in Ellis Park last week and defeat New Zealand in the second test match. He highly praised the contribution of the coaching staff and the unwavering support from the South African public.

Kolisi thanked the people of South Africa, saying: 'Thank you very much to the people of South Africa.' He acknowledged that the previous week was difficult, and the All Blacks played very well in Ellis Park, but he expressed appreciation for the plans developed by the coaching staff that helped the team succeed. He emphasized that they missed opportunities last week, but were able to capitalize on their chances this week, earning a draw in the series at 1–1 on South African soil.

He also noted that the fans' support remained constant despite the disappointment of the loss in Ellis Park. 'Even when we lost, the support was here, and we thank South Africa for helping us get through this night,' he stated. Kolisi added that the victory was achieved for those who attended the stadium, watched the game on TV, or could not afford to watch it.

Kolisi particularly highlighted the role of coach Rasisi (Erasmus), who reminds the team that their duty is not just theirs or their families', but that of the entire South African nation, calling it a privilege.

The players were aware of the disappointment after the loss in Ellis Park, but they were inspired by the fans who continued to come in large groups. Kolisi noted that despite the low morale after the defeat, the fans still came out in large numbers.

This victory made the series even, and the third test match will take place in Soweto. Kolisi called the series tied, noting that this week's match is important as many players are playing in Soweto for the first time. He also emphasized the high intensity of the game, as they are playing against the All Blacks for the fourth time in a row.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks are analyzing the quick start by the Springboks, which put them on the defensive. New Zealand captain Ardie Savea admitted that his team created difficulties for itself by conceding an early goal. 'We cannot allow the Boks to get ahead of us so quickly, within two minutes,' said Savea. He added that he is proud of his team for holding on but failing to win, and that they 'lost the battle, but not the war' and intend to return with renewed confidence in Johannesburg.