Springbok lock Marvie Orie was excited to return to Emirates Airline Park – what he regards as the “home of the Springboks” – for the team’s final Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Argentina on Saturday and said he expected a thorough test.
The teams will cross paths at the iconic stadium at 17h05 in the closing match of the shortened 2023 version of the competition, and if Australia defeats New Zealand in Melbourne the Boks will know exactly what they need to do to clinch the title by the time they take the field.
“When I think of Emirates Airline Park I think of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and what that did for rugby and the country,” said Orie.
“Personally, I perceive it to be the home of the Springboks. Altitude is also a factor at the stadium, and hopefully, we can take advantage of that.”
Orie was wary of the threat posed by the Argentinean forwards and locks specifically: “They are tough and feisty guys, and they don’t back off. But we revel in those contests, and we are excited about this weekend.”
Orie looked forward to lining up in the engine room alongside Eben Etzebeth, who will become the fourth most capped Springbok of all time on Saturday when he surpasses former Bok hooker and captain John Smit’s 111 caps.
“I’m incredibly inspired by a guy like Eben and what he’s done for rugby in South Africa,” said Orie of his former Tygerberg High School mate. “He’s a big leader in the team and he brings calmness in a match. That’s something that comes with experience.”
With Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber set to announce his 33-man Rugby World Cup squad on Tuesday, 8 August, Orie admitted that competition for places in the squad was intense, but he believed it was beneficial for the team and the players.
“There’s a lot of competition in the squad, but it’s good,” said Orie. “We push one another at training every day. But it’s not about me, rugby is a team sport, and we do what’s best for the team.”
