All Blacks ready for opportunity in SA

Rugby Championship Test, Ellis Park

All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen said playing the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park on Sunday (NZT) in their first of two Lipovitan D Rugby Championship Tests is 'a hell of an opportunity.'

Hansen said, "We know how good they are. They are the rugby world champions, and they are playing like it.

"They're very confident in their game, their brand of forward power, kicking, pressure and also their ability to use the ball. It's us playing them on their front yard."

The All Blacks respect South Africa; it is a game they are looking forward to.

Having coached with former All Black Tony Brown, now an assistant coach with the Springboks, Hansen said he could see Brown's personality in how the South Africans play, especially his excitement about using the ball.

That has given the All Blacks a bead on how to align their defensive structure.

"We understand their strengths and where they want to go. I've enjoyed how they're using the ball, whether it be their forwards or backs.

"They've got a dynamic game around power and also their ability at set piece. Their set piece is dominant and first and foremost, the game for us starts there."

The All Blacks would need to be aware of where South Africa sees space and their ability to get there.

"They've got the ability to go through you, around you, over you, so we have to be right on with our game."

Hansen wasn't buying into South Africa's locking crisis. Their depth and experience, talent, and pride in playing for their country would ensure that they would have no concerns.

Having lost backs coach Leon MacDonald, Hansen said the coaching burden had been shared with the remaining group, but it hadn't required a change in individual styles.

"It's about me doing what we're doing well and also giving space for our leaders to do what they do, which is lead our attack and seek the pictures they see."

The All Blacks looked forward to the contest, especially knowing it would be played in dry conditions with the ball travelling well in the rarefied air.

"Watching South Africa recently and their expansive game, they way they're playing has been exciting so we're looking forward to Saturday, being in front of them and putting our game on."

With so many All Blacks new to South African conditions, the leaders have been telling stories about games that have been played at Ellis Park in the past.

"It's been exciting to hear the stories and what it looks like going to the game, what that looks like for your weekend, your preparation. Leaders are key around what that looks like during your week as regards the mindset. They'll set that for the team and it's for us to be ready and able."

Newcomers for both sides at Ellis Park

The All Blacks are not the only side introducing new players to the high-tension New Zealand-South Africa rugby rivalry in the Lipovitan D Rugby Championship Test at Ellis Park on Sunday (NZT).

South Africa will also have players new to the rugby world's most intensive rivalry.

Since the break-up of the Sanzaar Super Rugby played between 1996 and 2020, contact between the two countries at the top level has been confined to Test matches.

Among South Africa's new faces are flanker Ben-Jason Dixon and first five-eighths Aphelele Fassi.

Dixon, 26, with three Test caps, said being selected to play New Zealand was a dream come true.

"As you grow up, some people plan their Saturdays around watching the Bok Test. Being able to experience it myself is the real deal.

"I've been living on the momentum and excitement. I don't think that moment has come where I stop and think how massive this is. But I'm enjoying the moment and trying to make the best of it and serve the team well."

Fassi debuted for South Africa in 2021, playing two Tests against Georgia. He played one other Test before being included in last year's Rugby World Cup side. Earlier this year had played against Portugal and then started South Africa's last outing against Australia in Perth.

Fassi's progress was hindered by issues getting his technique right under the high ball. He had been lifting his leg into a dangerous position when attempting to catch balls. He also needed to improve his organisation with his wings.

But with those issues improved, his running ability has excited interest.

Coach Rassie Erasmus said: "We are all waiting for Aphelele to do it now. That's been the message this week, 'Go and show the people what you can do and why you are here'.

"Unfortunately, with everything, there is a lot of hard grafting in a game before you can do the beautiful things. Now is his time to shine. It's not easy to shine against New Zealand, but that is where you know 'If I'm ready or not'. Hopefully he flies."