Inside centre Jordie Barrett says New Zealand will be ready for the new-look Springboks in the much-anticipated Rugby Championship clash between the old foes on Saturday.
Head coach Jacques Nienaber on Tuesday named the Bok lineup to face the Kiwis in Auckland this weekend, including 10 of the 14 players who last week travelled to New Zealand early – nine of whom will start.
The South Africans thrashed Australia in Pretoria last weekend, and will face a high-flying All Blacks side coming off a mauling of Argentina in Mendoza.
In a boost for Kiwi boss Ian Foster, New Zealand will be able to call on the speed of fit-again Will Jordan and Mark Telea for what is likely to be the tournament decider.
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Barrett was one of several Kiwis to make a statement against Los Pumas, and speaking to the All Blacks’ official website, the 26-year-old reckons the men in black are fired up to lock horns with the world champions.
“We started well [against Argentina], and it is a great way to start the year. [But] we can’t look any further than Saturday… and it is a front-loaded week of recovery but a massive task [ahead],” he said.
“There are some big, fresh-bodied South Africans waiting for us. It’s going to be tough in any arena.
“It’s a great challenge for us but if you want to be the best you have got to test yourself against the best.”
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