Japie Mulder has warned the Springboks against underestimating the All Blacks ahead of this year’s highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Despite the Boks entering the four-Test showdown as the world’s top-ranked side, Mulder believes writing off the All Blacks would be a serious mistake.
The former Springbok centre, who helped South Africa beat New Zealand in the iconic 1995 World Cup final, said rugby history has repeatedly shown how dangerous New Zealand become when doubted.
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“You’re number one now, but rugby is a funny thing,” Mulder told Rugby365.
“In 1995, we weren’t even rated. Everyone said we did well by getting to the quarter-finals and nobody gave us a chance.
“But we went on to win.
“So, beware the underdog.”
The warning comes as the Springboks prepare for their biggest Test series in years against an All Blacks side desperate to reassert themselves after a turbulent period.
South Africa head into the series in dominant form under Rassie Erasmus after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles and cementing their position as the world’s leading side.
New Zealand, meanwhile, arrive in transition following coaching changes and a string of inconsistent results by their standards.
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But Mulder insists the All Blacks remain more than capable of stunning the Springboks.
“Everyone says South Africa are favourites to win the series against the All Blacks, but I will never underrate the All Blacks side,” he said.
“Anything can happen on the day.
“They can come here and lose 4-0. We can lose 4-0, especially with the quality of players they also have.”
Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
The post Bok legend fears ‘underdog’ All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Japie Mulder has warned the Springboks against underestimating the All Blacks ahead of this year’s highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
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