Two key players for New Zealand are back on board for what has been billed as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider between the All Blacks and Springboks on Saturday, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
Speaking pitchside at Athlone’s City Park on Tuesday, assistant coach Tamati Ellison confirmed loosehead prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord have been training ahead of this week’s clash in Johannesburg.
De Groot and Lord missed last week’s 33-26 defeat at Cape Town Stadium, due to HIA protocols, and will come into the selection mix with the series tied 1-1.
“Yeah, they’ve both trained well today, so it’s good to have more bodies on board versus sending them home,” said Ellison, referencing the five Kiwi players ruled out for the remainder of the tour.
MORE: Jordie looking for an edge over Doogz
Ellison addressed the mood in the camp and how the group is staying relaxed for the must-win challenge up north.
“It’s the first week in a while we haven’t had a midweek game, so there’s plenty of energy at training … I’m sure when we arrive at the stadium it’ll definitely feel like a decider,” he said.
“We’re very blessed with [mental performance coach] Gilbert Enoka. He’s seen a few Test matches, as have a lot of our leaders … You build the week the way you want it.”
ALSO: Kiwis puzzled by Boks’ aerial, power blueprint
With the Calabash set for an 84,000-plus crowd, Ellison was asked about communicating amid the cacophony.
“You’ve just got to get closer. But a lot of it is non-verbal signalling as well, making sure there are 15 players ready to attack, so people are in the right positions and trusting they’ll be where they need to be,” he said.
“In specific areas – lineout calling, play calling – it makes sense to get that message delivered and getting closer … There’s plenty of noise, alright.
“But it’s like anything; same at home when you’ve got six children, you can’t hear yourself think! Sometimes you’ve just got to get a wee bit closer and simplify the message.”
ICYMI: Brave Barrett excited to ‘ice the world’s best’
On his progress alongside fellow former All Black and defence coach Tana Umaga, Ellison was measured.
“We’re getting there. The start wasn’t ideal, but there’s been a lot of instances where we’ve defended them well in the middle of the field and turned them to their kicking game … having the skill sets to deal with the kicking game will be important.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post All Blacks get double boost to beat the noise appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Two key players for New Zealand are back on board for what has been billed as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider between the All Blacks and Springboks on Saturday.
The post All Blacks get double boost to beat the noise appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
