Veteran centre Anton Lienert-Brown says the All Blacks are bracing for a physical battle and the boot of Vodacom Bulls linchpins Willie le Roux and Curwin Bosch on Saturday.
Renowned for his sharp defence, distribution and tactical nous, 90-Test Lienert-Brown singled out the threat of Springboks Le Roux and Bosch ahead of their Loftus tussle, in the third match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
“Willie is highly experienced and one of the smartest players in the game. He’s going to lead that backline beautifully,” Lienert-Brown told reporters on Thursday. “He’s a great kicker and passer of the ball as well.
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“With Curwin, we know that he can kick the ball for miles. He’ll lead that team too, so I think we can expect great tactics from them.
“They both see the game incredibly well, and they’re going to find kicking space, so we have to be switched on.”
The 31-year-old made his Super Rugby bow in Pretoria as an 18-year-old winger, and drew on that for teammates new to the Highveld.
“There were a lot of high balls, and it was pretty daunting, but it was an experience I’ll never forget,” he added. “We’re at altitude here, but it’s not something we talk about. It’s not an excuse for us, we just have to go out there and perform.”
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Asked what has changed facing South African clubs since their 2020 split from Super Rugby, Lienert-Brown noted their evolving game plans.
“What hasn’t changed is the set-piece and the big South African bodies – they’re still there today,” he said. “[The Springboks] are currently the best team in the world, and they’ve been that way for quite some time.
“Their ability to change the game plan on the run has really developed.
“You see South Africa playing expansive rugby and then, when needed, going back to the set-piece and kicking. They have a lot of variety and so much depth.”
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On the widely expected call-up of New Zealand playmaker Richie Mo’unga, Lienert-Brown welcomed the added depth for the remainder of the Kiwis’ tour.
“There’s been a lot of chat about it, and now he’s coming over. I’ve obviously been good mates with him for a long time.
“We’ve got so much quality in so many positions, and adding Richie to the mix is awesome for this group,” he concluded.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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Veteran centre Anton Lienert-Brown says the All Blacks are bracing for a physical battle and the boot of Vodacom Bulls linchpins Willie le Roux and Curwin Bosch on Saturday.
The post All Blacks wary of Willie, ‘big bodies’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
