Ashfak Mohamed
SCOTT Barrett would’ve felt right at home at Athlone Stadium during the All Blacks’ captain’s run yesterday, ahead of today’s Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks in Cape Town.
There was the traditional ‘Cape Doctor’ blowing down-field at the home of non-racial rugby during apartheid, and even a hardened All Black such as Barrett was feeling the chill from the pumping wind as he stood in front of the media in his training top and shorts.
It was probably the reason why the New Zealand skipper didn’t say much more than a sentence or two to each question.
But in the bigger picture, Barrett wants his All Blacks team to do their talking on the lush Cape Town Stadium pitch this evening (5pm start) after blowing a 27-17 lead in the final quarter to go down 31-27 at Ellis Park last weekend.
That result means that the South Africans have won three games in a row against their great rivals – the previous wins coming in last year’s Rugby World Cup final, and a warm-up game at Twickenham, equalling Peter de Villiers’ Class of 2009.
But coach Rassie Erasmus’ men can emulate the 1949 Bok team that won a Test series 4-0 in South Africa by recording their fourth triumph in a row over the Kiwis today.
In addition, the world champions can claim the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009 if Siya Kolisi and his team emerge victorious.
“After last week there is plenty of hurt, and we want to turn that result around, that’s for sure,” Barrett said yesterday.
“We’ve had a good week (of preparation). We’ve certainly highlighted that (the last quarter), and it’s been a big area of focus this week – finishing the job, yeah.
“To be honest, I think it’s just us staying switched on, not giving them any easy ins (into the All Blacks’ half). It’s getting out of your own half, and not give South Africa some easy ins into our 22, as they just feed off that.”
All Blacks coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson made a few changes to his side, with a brand-new back-three of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece and Mark Tele’a, while scrumhalf Cortez Ratima replaced TJ Perenara and Wallace Sititi came in for the injured Ethan Blackadder at blindside flank.
Jordan’s shift from wing to fullback saw Beauden Barrett relegated to the bench, and younger brother Scott said that the former World Player of the Year will look to make a big impact in the second half.
“He’s a little bit disappointed that he’s not in the starting XV... But I think he’ll play his part coming off the bench tomorrow night,” Scott Barrett said about Beauden.
“Nothing has changed. The coaches have selected the best team to do the job tomorrow. Wallace (Sititi) has been great. He brings a lot of energy to that position, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes tomorrow night.”
Asked if he expects the Boks to adopt a tighter strategy with Handré Pollard back at flyhalf and Willie le Roux at fullback, the 30-year-old No 4 lock said: “Potentially... They offer a great kicking game, so I think it might be a game of aerial play and kicking battles.
“So, our back three are ready for that. I think no two Test matches are the same, and the South Africans would’ve adapted their strategy tomorrow night. So, we’ve got to be ready for that.”