With the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series fast approaching, Springbok try-scoring machine Kurt-Lee Arendse insists there’s no time to relax for Rassie Erasmus’ charges.
Known for his speed and aerial prowess, Arendse’s touchdown in Saturday’s 43-0 win over Wales at Kings Park in the Nations Championship took his tally to 25 tries in 32 Tests.
The Boks have a two-week break before a 26-man squad travels to face Los Pumas in Buenos Aires on 8 August, while a separate group stays behind to begin preparing for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks, starting 22 August.
“The Greatest Rivalry is going to be massive, and to be a part of it will be special,” Arendse said. “We’ll prepare well for it and make sure we’re ready for the All Blacks.
“I still have a lot of work to do, under the high ball and on attack. That’s what I’m going to focus on and if I get another chance, I’ll grab it with both hands.”
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The 30-year-old speedster’s blistering finish against Wales moved him alongside the legendary Percy Montgomery among the Boks’ most prolific try-scorers, with seventh-placed Breyton Paulse (26) now in his sights.
Arendse, however, insists he doesn’t dwell on the milestones: “To be honest, I don’t keep track of it. I’m just grateful to represent my country and play with the boys.”
Humid, slippery weather in Durban on Saturday affected the Boks’ handling, but Arendse explained that the local contingent in the team helped them adapt.
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“It wasn’t frustrating for us because Vusi Moyo and Aphelele Fassi play for the Sharks, so they know the conditions well,” he said. “Even the guys that didn’t play, they know the conditions well.
“We prepared well; during the training sessions, we made the ball wet. It wasn’t ideal conditions but we adapted.”
Despite scoring seven tries, the Boks botched several scoring opportunities, with the conditions prompting a boot-to-ball-first approach.
“The kicking game is always part of our plan,” Arendse noted. “If the conditions are not ideal, or even if it is ideal, we always try to kick and get into the contest.”
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The World Cup winner also praised 20-year-old flyhalf Moyo, who kicked three conversions and a cross-kick that set up outside centre Jesse Kriel’s try just before half-time.
“He controlled the game really well with Cobus Reinach, who’s very experienced, and Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, who played alongside him,” Arendse said.
“They all helped him a lot during the week, and you could see he controlled the game for the first half. I’m happy for him.
“He’s a Springbok now, so he can just learn from this experience.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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With the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series fast approaching, Springbok try-scoring machine Kurt-Lee Arendse insists there’s no time to relax for Rassie Erasmus’ charges.
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