All Blacks v Springboks ‘is not a warm-up match’ – Eben Etzebeth

The Springboks will be giving “everything to win” on Friday when they take on the All Blacks at Twickenham, with lock Eben Etzebeth unequivocally stating that the clash is not a warm-up for South Africa.

For just the second time in their history, the All Blacks and Springboks face off at the home of English Rugby – the first taking place during the 2015 World Cup semi-finals – and while the game is billed as World Cup warm-up match, Etzebeth unequivocally states that the world champions don’t see it as one.

Test match

The match is both teams’ final preparation fixture before the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but it has the Springboks’ full attention as they clash with their biggest rival.

“We are playing in the Springbok jersey at one of the top stadiums in the world in front of 80 000 people against a team with which we share one of the greatest rivalries, so this is not a warm-up match for us; it is a Test match,” stated Etzebeth on Tuesday.

“We’ll give everything this week and worry about the World Cup after Friday’s game.

“If things go well for us, it could also give us confidence going into the World Cup, so this is a massive game for us.”

Etzebeth is joined in the starting pack by inspirational captain Siya Kolisi for the encounter, with eight changes to the starting line-up from the team that defeated Wales last week.

Switched on

New Zealand were 35-20 victors the last time the two sides faced off in July.

Ian Foster’s side raced into a 17-0 lead after 16 minutes, with Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell crossing the whitewash during that period.

The Springboks haven’t forgotten that sluggish start in Auckland and aim to be switched on from the get-go in London.

“One of the main lessons we learned was to be switched on from the start against them,” the 113 Test cap forward told reporters.

“In the first 20 minutes of the last match, they were the better team on the field, so it’s important that we have a stronger start.

“We pride ourselves on our set pieces, and our attack and defence will always be vital, so it’s going to take a good squad effort from the team on Friday.

“Every time we take the field, we strive to play the perfect game.”

World Cup pressure

While the Boks’ focus is on the showdown at Twickenham, the Test centurion could not escape questions about the World Cup.

With 2023 expected to be one of the most hotly contested World Cups, Etzebeth suggests that there is no added pressure on South Africa as defending champions.

“Some might say there is added pressure on us and that teams will come for us, but I don’t know if that is the case, he said.

“I think each team just wants it really badly. They don’t care about us; they just want to win the trophy.

“If anything, we put pressure on ourselves to go out there and win again.”

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