Meanwhile, two-time World Cup winner Conrad Smith has outlined his excitement about the impending All Blacks versus Springboks Rugby Championship matches in Australia. “As good as the All Blacks were the other week, they know it will be an entirely different game when they play South Africa, just the threats that they pose, the strength they have at set-piece… and we also realise South Africa, if a game opens up, they enjoy it.
“They are not a one-dimensional team. They are very good at that set-piece but they can play open rugby as good as anyone. There will be a great edge as always when New Zealand play South Africa, but even more so because the weight has been so long.”
It has been 23 months since the All Blacks last faced the Springboks, defeating the eventual World Cup winners in a September 2019 pool opener in Japan. They are scheduled to clash in round five of the Rugby Championship in Townsville on September 25 with the round six rematch scheduled for the following Saturday on the Gold Coast.
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The first game marks 100 Tests played between the two rugby powerhouses, I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world and if we're free to travel then eat your heart out I'll be there
