Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth stated unequivocally that the team viewed their final Rugby World Cup warm-up game as a fully-fledged Test match rather than a preparation match for the global showpiece in France, and said they would give everything to win this match before turning their attention to the World Cup.
The Springboks will play their last match at Twickenham on Friday before launching their RWC title defence against Scotland on Sunday 10 September, in Marseille, but Etzebeth said this match demanded the same respect as every other Test between two of the game’s biggest rivals.
“We are playing in the Springbok jersey at one of the top stadiums in the world against a team with which we share one of the greatest rivalries, so this is not a warm-up match for us, it is a Test match,” said Etzebeth.
“We’ll give everything this week and we’ll worry about the World Cup after the game. If things go well for us, it could also give us confidence going into the World Cup, so this is a massive game for us.”
Etzebeth emphasised the importance of a strong start against New Zealand in this match after going down 35-20 against them at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland last month in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
“One of the main lessons we learned was to be switched on from the start against them,” said Etzebeth. “In the first 20 minutes of the last match, they were the better team on the field, so it’s important that we have a stronger start.”
The Springbok centurion, who will earn his 113th cap for South Africa on Friday, said the team wanted to be better overall, as opposed to singling out specific aspects they wanted to improve on.
“We pride ourselves on our set pieces, and our attack and defence will always be vital, so it’s going to take a good squad effort from the team on Friday,” said Etzebeth. “Every time we take the field, we strive to play the perfect game.”
Etzebeth relished the challenge of facing the All Blacks in London, saying: “It’s going to be a huge game in front of a neutral crowd of over 80 000 people, so hopefully the fans will be split 50/50.”