The Springboks and All Blacks will cross paths for the third time this year when the match kicks off at 21:00 in Paris, and Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith said, this is by far the most significant of them all.
“This is the match that counts,” said Smith. “We know it will be an epic battle and the forward battle is going to be tough, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
"Playing in the final we know it's going to be 80 minutes, maybe it might go to 100 minutes, you never know. You know you've got to be ready and make sure you use your opportunity when you get it."
Smith added: “I played against New Zealand at Under-20 level, in Sevens rugby and now in the 15-man code, and there’s a lot of respect between the sides. We bring out the best in one another, so it’s exciting.”
Smith, who was only two years old when the Springboks defeated New Zealand in the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
"I was only two years old so I can't remember much of it. But obviously, I've seen the footage and my dad obviously told me about it. It (was) just crazy having it in South Africa, we are not there now (but) it's just as epic playing against New Zealand anywhere in the world."
Smith said the Boks had to be up for the challenge both mentally and physically to retain the title: “This is a final and we have to be up for it for 80 minutes or even possibly 100 minutes, so we have to use the opportunities we create,” said Smith. “We have to stick to our plan, and it will be vital to pounce on any chances when they arise.”
Smith also expected a physical onslaught at the breakdowns saying: "The breakdown is always important but especially against New Zealand, it's a massive thing. We've been working a lot on it but I know they're really good fetchers. So, we've got to be sharp, we've got to make sure we keep our own ball. They are good players and I really rate them (New Zealand's back row)."
On often being a key member of South Africa's influential bench Smith said: "Since 2019 the bench has had a massive impact with the Springboks so it's something that's been building up for years now. When we are on the bench we know we have a responsibility to fulfil.
Smith said Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus said to South Africa's bench at halftime against England it is their game to win: "For the England game he told us on bench before the game that it's going to be a massive one. At half-time he just said to us, "listen, this is your game to win, it doesn't help to wait for someone else, this is the bench's time to go up and make a difference."
