Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk admits there’s pressure on him to perform for the world champions after regaining his starting berth to face the All Blacks on Saturday.
The All Blacks are preparing to face the world champion Springboks, with coach Ian Foster under intense pressure to end their dire run of form after four defeats in their past five matches.
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the Springboks are concentrated solely on improving their game before preparing for back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks in South Africa.
The Springboks received a timely boost with the inclusion of Duane Vermeulen and Frans Steyn in a 41-man squad chosen for the Rugby Championship, but the injured Cheslin Kolbe is doubtful to recover in time to feature in the tournament.
The Rugby Championship organisers have wound the clock back and adopted a mini-tour format for at least the next three years saying it will restore “rugby’s traditional touring values”.
The Springboks will reportedly battle the All Blacks at the home of England rugby in a blockbuster match between the old rivals next year.
New Zealand-based rugby writer Sam Smith says the Blitzboks have to prove their two-tournament unbeaten run and Sevens World Series title is “no fluke”.
Pieter-Steph du Toit has given his opinion on speculation that the Springboks could leave the Rugby Championship to join the Six Nations in the near future.
The Springboks’ No 1 spot in the world is under threat from France, after Les Bleus replaced the All Blacks in second place behind South Africa in World Rugby’s official standings.
Ticket sales for the Springboks’ home Test matches in the Incoming Series and Rugby Championship will go on public sale at noon on 9 March in a unique, coordinated launch.