Halfback pair Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu say the Springboks are holding their foot on the pedal going into their rematch with the All Blacks in Cape City on Saturday.
The Springbok halfbacks each performed influential roles within the comeback 31-27 victory over New Zealand at a sold-out Ellis Park.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicked 16 factors within the win, together with a 61m penalty, whereas Williams’ attempt handed the hosts the lead 5 minutes earlier than the fulltime whistle.
“It was particular,” mentioned Feinberg-Mngomezulu, after dealing with the All Blacks for the primary time in his profession.
“I believe our preparation within the week was priceless going into the match, particularly with all of the gamers placing the crew first and serving to one another. We put our greatest foot ahead and the group was superb, which all the time helps getting us by means of such powerful video games.”
Williams, whose final recreation towards New Zealand was in a 35-20 defeat in Auckland final yr, was thrilled with the way in which the Boks fought again after trailing by 10 factors going into the ultimate 20 minutes in Johannesburg.
“It was particular for the group as a complete. We positioned an enormous emphasis on sticking collectively, particularly throughout the powerful occasions, so we’re glad concerning the end result.
“The final time I confronted them was in New Zealand final yr and we bought a hiding in that match, so it was an important feeling to get a victory towards them this time.”
With the epic encounter at Ellis Park now behind them, the Springboks have shortly turned their consideration to Saturday’s conflict at Cape City Stadium, the place they might take a major step in the direction of the southern hemisphere title.
“We don’t desire a repeat of shedding the second Check, like what occurred towards Eire in July, and that’s one thing we pushed for in Australia,” mentioned Feinberg-Mngomezulu, referring to the back-to-back wins over the Wallabies final month.
“So, if we might be as hungry and decided subsequent week and get a superb end result, it could take us one step nearer to hopefully securing the Rugby Championship title.”
The Springboks at the moment lead the competitors on 14 factors, forward of New Zealand (six factors), Argentina (5) and Australia (4), who recorded their maiden win of the championship over the Pumas on Saturday.
“Making an attempt win the competitors is a large purpose for us, so we have to make sure that we preserve the consistency in our performances,” Williams mentioned.
“We’re happy with how we’re rising as a crew, however I don’t suppose we’ll take our foot off the gasoline. We’re actually wanting ahead to subsequent week’s match, and we all know goes to be equally as powerful, if not more durable.”
Photograph: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Photographs
