Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has expressed his excitement about the new-look team that will take on the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday. The match at the Optus Stadium kicks off at 11h45 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Stick believes that the team has a great opportunity to build squad depth and give other players a chance to showcase their skills. The team has been preparing for an intense battle against the Wallabies, who have won four of their last five games.
Stick is thrilled to see players such as Canan Moodie and Handre Pollard getting an opportunity to play after being close to playing in one of the games against the All Blacks and then getting injured. He is also excited to see Herschel Jantjies, who has only played about 25 minutes this season, but has been impressive in training sessions. Stick emphasized that the goal is to build squad depth and give other players a chance to see what they have to offer.
The Wallabies have selected what appears to be their best possible 23, and Stick believes that it will be a tough challenge for the Springboks. He noted that the Wallabies have a powerful centre partnership and a wing with a strong kicking game, and that they can punish teams if they are not on their game. Stick emphasized the importance of sticking to what works and continuing to improve.
Andre Esterhuizen will lead the team for the first time, and he is ecstatic about the opportunity. He believes that being a leader at his franchise has prepared him, but that it's easier with so many other leaders in the team. Esterhuizen emphasized that the captaincy role is not just about him, but about the team and what they can achieve together.
Esterhuizen has learned a lot from regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who has been a tremendous leader for the team. He noted that Kolisi remains composed and calm, no matter what the situation, and that he knows when to step back and when to step up. Esterhuizen will become the 68th Bok skipper in history.
Stick also emphasized the importance of focusing on what the team wants to achieve and continuing to build their game. He noted that the team takes pride in their defence, kicking game, and set pieces, and that the match against the Wallabies will offer an opportunity for the players to build towards where they want to go.
The Springboks are looking to bounce back from a 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies at Ellis Park last year. Stick noted that the team learned a lot from that match, particularly in the 20 minutes after the first half where they were leading by 24 points but drifted away from their plan. The team will look to use this match as an opportunity to improve and prepare for the Rugby World Cup.
Key points
- The Springboks will take on the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday, with the match kicking off at 11h45 (SA time).
- Andre Esterhuizen will lead the team for the first time, becoming the 68th Bok skipper in history.
- The team has been preparing to build squad depth and give other players a chance to showcase their skills.
