Springboks vs All Blacks: ‘We will see real international test rugby as we know it’ – Naas Botha
Kick off is at 5 pm.
Robert Marawa speaks to former Springbok player Naas Botha and Blue Bulls Special Projects Manager, Thando Manana.
Listen below.
The Rugby Championship continues this weekend as South Africa take on New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park (previously Ellis Park Stadium).
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus opted for a 6–2 split with nine changes to the side that beat Australia 30–12 in Perth two weeks ago.
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Botha says it is bound to be an exciting game despite several players being ruled out due to injury.
Salmaan Moerat (concussion), RG Snyman (foot), Franco Mostert (broken leg), Lood de Jager (shoulder) and Jean Kleyn (eye and knee).
“What we will see on Saturday is real international test rugby as we know it. Do you want to see a whitewash, or do you want to see a thriller that you actually can’t call the winner?”
- Naas Botha, former Springbok
Eben Etzebeth has been cleared to play and will start on the bench following an injury.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be starting as flyhalf over Handré Pollard.
“Rassie gave him [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] an opportunity, he took it and played really well… Sacha brings more to the table, his unpredictable, he’s very strong in his defence, and he’s kicking extremely well.”
- Naas Botha, former Springbok
Another big call was made at fullback, Aphelele Fassi will start ahead of veteran Willie le Roux.
“Fassi is well deserved, he has done well and shown what he has… he got the pace, the tenacity, and also quick, a good skillful side-step in him.”
- Thando Manana, Special Projects Manager – Blue Bulls
“This is a massive opportunity for him, he is young. Fassi probably never thought he would start against an All-Black team in 2024… and this will be a big test for him.”
- Thando Manana, Special Projects Manager – Blue Bulls
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion