“Dave Rennie Has Had My Number” — Rassie

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus admits South Africa has eagerly awaited the opportunity to finally focus on their highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, while stressing the respect they have for their greatest rivals.

The Springboks have already faced England, Scotland, Wales and Argentina this year, but questions about the All Blacks series have consistently followed them throughout the season.

Erasmus acknowledged that while the Springboks had to remain focused on each opponent in front of them, the players and coaching staff were just as eager as everyone else to get down to business against New Zealand.

“We all know how big this is. We all appreciate it. We respect it,” said a visibly excited Erasmus.

The opening Test at Ellis Park on Saturday will bring the two traditional rivals together once again, with Erasmus also highlighting the significance of one of the most iconic traditions in world rugby: the All Blacks’ haka.

“I’ve stood in front of it, as a coach I’ve sat on the sideline, and when people overshadow the haka with a lot of boos, you can appreciate things like that.”

Bulls forwards Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar were released from the Springbok camp to gain valuable match minutes when the Bulls faced the All Blacks and have already had a taste of what awaits them.

Erasmus said the experience gave the players a firsthand appreciation of the intensity and attention to detail that New Zealand brings to the contest.

“Elrigh and Grobbies faced the haka for the first time for the Bulls, and they said how lekker it was and how intense the game was. They also noted the small things that New Zealand does so well within the game that make their game work,” he explained.

While the Springboks remain respectful of every opponent, Erasmus made it clear that the All Blacks occupy a unique place in international rugby.

“We are not saying the other Test matches were not important because every nation is important when you play against them, but this is the greatest rival, and we’re looking forward to it,” said the World Cup-winning coach.

However, Erasmus knows that the All Blacks will present a significant tactical challenge under head coach Dave Rennie, whom he has faced previously during his coaching career.

“Dave is a very sharp coach. I coached against him for Munster against Glasgow, and he’s had my number a few times when coaching Australia,” Erasmus said.

For Erasmus, one of the defining battles on Saturday is likely to take place at the breakdown, where he believes New Zealand has developed a particularly ruthless approach.

“The tough thing for us is they are very focused and brutal at the breakdown,” said the former Cheetahs coach.

The Springbok coach added that the All Blacks’ breakdown work is an area the South African players have already experienced through their involvement with the franchises.

“We’ve really been seeing that, and the players have experienced it at the franchises. I think the breakdown work they do is very interesting,” Erasmus said.