Anton Lienert-Brown can’t wait to face the Springboks on Saturday in Joburg again, where the veteran back believes the All Blacks’ high-tempo game will give them the edge, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
South Africa and New Zealand will lock horns in the third Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, with the Boks having levelled the four-match showdown in Cape Town last week after the Kiwis drew first blood at Ellis Park.
The result ended New Zealand’s five-match unbeaten run on tour in the Republic ahead of this week’s clash at FNB Stadium, and Lienert-Brown is confident Dave Rennie’s men can bounce back in ‘familiar’ surroundings.
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“As a team we’ve spent a lot of time up at the Highveld, so we know what it brings, and in a way we think it’s an advantage to us,” he told journalists on Tuesday.
“We try to play at tempo in a fast game; we’re an incredibly fit team, so we’re looking forward to going back up there.”
The Boks’ kicking game has given the Kiwis plenty to ponder ahead of the blockbuster duel, and Lienert-Brown touched on the aerial battle and countering South Africa’s contestable blueprint.
“In the backs it’s been talked about, making sure that we win more ball in the air, and we’ll tidy that up this week,” he added.
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“There’s a lot of small things that go on that can make a big difference, and we believe that will help us this weekend.”
Following the defeat in the Mother City, Lienert-Brown backs the troops to up the intensity and refocus on the task at hand.
“We felt like we did so much good stuff, which we reviewed, but then also there’s lots of improvements, so the focus is on us,” the 31-year-old explained.
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“We all understand what it takes to play a South African team in South Africa, so you need to put in the work physically, and that’s what we’re doing out here on the training field, but also mentally build it during the week.”
The 92-cap Lienert-Brown, who has played five times and started thrice on the tour, also gave his take on the Bok challenge in a must-win battle.
“As a rugby player, you live for these moments, so we’re really excited about the opportunity … if we put in the work, it will put us in good stead to be where we need to be on Saturday.
“South Africa, they’re a big physical team, and if we can play at tempo, then we’ll reap the rewards later on in each half.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Lienert-Brown relishing Highveld advantage appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Anton Lienert-Brown can’t wait to face the Springboks on Saturday in Joburg again, where the veteran back believes the All Blacks’ high-tempo game will give them the edge.
The post Lienert-Brown relishing Highveld advantage appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
