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Kolisi: Always special against the All Blacks

Wellington - South African captain Siya Kolisi on Friday spoke of the great rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks. 

READ: Bookies back All Blacks to belt Springboks

Even though the New Zealanders have ruled recent meetings between the two countries, Kolisi described each fixture between the two sides as something special. 

The two sides meet at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday (kick-off 09:35 SA time).

Looking forward to Saturday’s battle, Kolisi stressed the importance of taking your chances against the Kiwis. 

“We want to make sure we improve every week and with every outing,” said Kolisi.

“We have to limit the individual mistakes and make sure we perform over the 80 minutes because they will punish you for those errors. 

“There’s no better Test for you as a player, than to play against the best in the world. I know the guys are excited for this game and we are going to give it our best shot on Saturday. Playing the All Blacks is always something special.” 

Kolisi and his Springbok team-mates completed their match preparations with the captain's run at the Westpac Stadium on Friday, under clear skies and bright sunshine.

The All Blacks will clinch the Rugby Championship if they record a bonus-point victory on Saturday.

Teams:

New Zealand

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Karl Tu'inukuafe

Substitutes: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Jack Goodhue, 23 Damian McKenzie

South Africa

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Jesse Kriel 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Beast Mtawarira, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Cheslin Kolbe

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Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
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