Loose forward Peter Lakai says he is fully aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting the All Blacks on Saturday, with the Springboks bringing a physical and set-piece dominant game that has few equals in world rugby, writes CLINTON VAN DER BERG.
Having spoken with more experienced teammates about what to expect at Ellis Park, Lakai did not shy away from the scale of the task.
“There’s one of the tougher games they’ve played in their career – Springboks, Ellis Park,” he said after Tuesday training, adding that his focus this week has simply been on getting his preparation and mindset right.
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Asked what the All Blacks can expect from the hosts, Lakai was blunt: “Obviously, a physical team, and their set-piece dominance, so I think we can expect that.”
He acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing his forward pack in particular, noting that “in international rugby, you’re going to come up against pretty good forward packs, and the Springboks have probably been the benchmark the last few years.”
For a loose forward group that has faced fierce internal competition all tour, Lakai sees this Test as a genuine measuring stick.
“They’re the No 1 team in the world for a reason,” he said, “so it’ll be a good clash on Saturday and good to see where we’re at as a team.”
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The occasion itself is not lost on him either. Having never faced South Africa or played at Ellis Park before, the Hurricanes star called it a milestone moment.
“It’s real exciting, the No 1 team, and Ellis Park. To hopefully run out on Saturday, it’ll be a privilege.”
Rather than being intimidated by the hostile atmosphere he expects from the crowd, Lakai said the mentality is to embrace it fully.
“There’s a lot of people who would kill to be in our shoes,” he said, “so just embracing that occasion and getting to run out with 22 other brothers against the Springboks at Ellis Park, it’s a special moment.”
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Even the altitude, which tested his lungs during a warm-up match in Pretoria, is becoming more manageable the longer the squad spends in South Africa.
With competition for the loose forward jersey as tight as he has experienced in an All Blacks camp, Lakai’s message going into Saturday is simple: make the most of the opportunity when it comes.
Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
The post Lakai amped for ‘one of the toughest games’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Loose forward Peter Lakai says he is fully aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting the All Blacks on Saturday.
The post Lakai amped for ‘one of the toughest games’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
