Share

NZ not taking Boks lightly

Cape Town - All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith says they won’t underestimate the Springboks ahead of their Tri-Nations clash in Wellington on Saturday.

Click to BUY the Springbok kitchen

Smith says not too much should be read into the Springboks' 39-20 defeat at the hands of Australia.

"I think they've got plenty of talent. If they've got anything near the feeling we have in our team then they'll be hungry. It will be a contest for spots in their team, just as it is in ours," said Smith on the All Blacks.com website.

He feels limited preparation could have played a part in the Boks' below-par performance.

"I think their performance was like ours (against Fiji) on the back of three or four training runs. I think they were rusty.

"We've seen them beaten over there before and come over and play really well here so we've just got to make sure that we look after our performance."

Fullback Mils Muliaina echoed Smith's sentiments, stating the Boks could not be taken lightly, despite missing several front-line players.

"I think they'll be hurting. They know themselves that they didn't play as well as they can and we know in our camp how much better they can get.

"It was practically their first run together and coming to Wellington they're going to bring their 'A' game and we're looking forward to it," said Muliaina.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE