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Auckland – Springbok-flanker Francois Louw is under no illusions that Saturday’s Tri-Nations encounter against the All Blacks at Eden Park is going to be the ultimate test in his young international career so far.
“It’s going be one hell of a challenge to face the All Blacks on their home soil,” Louw said while in transit from Sydney to Auckland on Sunday.
The Stormers flanker has so far been a revelation in the Bok number seven jersey and will in all likelihood be in the starting line-up when the Boks take on their old rivals on Saturday.
The 24-year old is experiencing a dream season and his reputation could be further enhanced when he comes up against All Black captain Richie McCaw.
Flo as he is affectionately known, not only thrives on stealing balls on the ground at the breakdowns, but is also a devastating ball carrier and fearless defender. In his last Test against Italy in East London, he deservedly won the man of the match award.
The strong flanker is expected to combine with his Stormers teammate Schalk Burger and Bulls number eight Pierre Spies in the Bok loose-trio that will front up to their Kiwi counterparts in the key battle for the loose ball at Eden Park on Saturday.
Louw says he has been on the winning side for the Stormers in the Super 14 against the Blues at this venue before, but he expects the Test match against the All Blacks to be a completely different ball game.
“To beat the Blues in Auckland with the Stormers was very satisfying. Psychologically it means a lot for a player’s confidence, but facing the All Blacks on their home turf is the ultimate test. I expect the intensity to be much higher and I will have to up my game considerably,” said Louw.
“I’ve always wanted to face the All Black Haka in a Test in New Zealand. It’s something that you dream of when you grow up as a kid.
“Last year we clinched the Tri-Nations title by beating the All Blacks in Hamilton and they will definitely be out to take revenge. It will be a tremendous psychological boost to kick-off the Tri-Nations on a winning note,” added Louw.
Auckland – Springbok-flanker Francois Louw is under no illusions that Saturday’s Tri-Nations encounter against the All Blacks at Eden Park is going to be the ultimate test in his young international career so far.
“It’s going be one hell of a challenge to face the All Blacks on their home soil,” Louw said while in transit from Sydney to Auckland on Sunday.
The Stormers flanker has so far been a revelation in the Bok number seven jersey and will in all likelihood be in the starting line-up when the Boks take on their old rivals on Saturday.
The 24-year old is experiencing a dream season and his reputation could be further enhanced when he comes up against All Black captain Richie McCaw.
Flo as he is affectionately known, not only thrives on stealing balls on the ground at the breakdowns, but is also a devastating ball carrier and fearless defender. In his last Test against Italy in East London, he deservedly won the man of the match award.
The strong flanker is expected to combine with his Stormers teammate Schalk Burger and Bulls number eight Pierre Spies in the Bok loose-trio that will front up to their Kiwi counterparts in the key battle for the loose ball at Eden Park on Saturday.
Louw says he has been on the winning side for the Stormers in the Super 14 against the Blues at this venue before, but he expects the Test match against the All Blacks to be a completely different ball game.
“To beat the Blues in Auckland with the Stormers was very satisfying. Psychologically it means a lot for a player’s confidence, but facing the All Blacks on their home turf is the ultimate test. I expect the intensity to be much higher and I will have to up my game considerably,” said Louw.
“I’ve always wanted to face the All Black Haka in a Test in New Zealand. It’s something that you dream of when you grow up as a kid.
“Last year we clinched the Tri-Nations title by beating the All Blacks in Hamilton and they will definitely be out to take revenge. It will be a tremendous psychological boost to kick-off the Tri-Nations on a winning note,” added Louw.
