Cheslin Kolbe seems to be at the core of the Springbok plan if assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has his way. | www.photosport.nz
In 2022, the Boks demolished the New Zealanders 26-10 and it should have been more.
“You can’t ask for a better place to play than Mbombela,” Stick said. “We have fond memories of this stadium and the way the fans get behind the team.
“One of my favourite images in all my time with the Boks is of Willie le Roux scoring a try and jumping into the stands where he was swamped by fans. The supporters here are different, They do not turn against you when things are not going well in the game. They try and lift you and we want to make this game special for them.”
Stick hinted that the goal-kicking pressure might be taken off beleaguered Manie Libbok.
“We have a plan in place for the kicking. There is no rule that the No 10 must kick for posts. A prop can kick for posts,” he said. “Manie will concentrate on being our general.
“Yes we had an opportunity to win the game with a kick last week, but it should never have been a close game after we had swept into a 17-0 lead in no time.
“The big issue was the yellow card (to Kurt-Lee Arendse) and how well the Pumas capitalised on it. They have some seriously good backs and they played cleverly to work the ball onto the overlap.
“The Pumas are a good side and they are flourishing under one of their legends, Felipe Contepomi. You have to be very good to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand and put 60 points past Australia in one half.
“Contepomi has also fixed their discipline,” Stick pointed out. “He understands their DNA and how they can excited on the field. He has focused on keeping calm heads and they are yet to have a yellow card in the Championship.
“Something special is brewing at the Pumas and we will treat them with the utmost respect.”