Faf de Klerk, who boasts 34 Test caps, admitted that this will require accuracy in all areas of their game and a performance with minimal errors at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium. The match kicks off at 17h05 (09h05 SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The All Blacks currently top the Castle Lager Rugby Championship log with 20 points with the Springboks on 10 points after winning two of their four matches to date, and De Klerk was confident that they could close in on their arch-rivals if they delivered an accurate performance.
“As a group we know we need to be better and step up our game a lot going into this Test,” said De Klerk.
“We really want to rectify the errors we made and deliver a performance people can be proud of.
“Our main focus is to get back on track in this competition and to hopefully force ourselves into contention to still win it.”
The Springboks last faced the All Blacks in 2019, but De Klerk said they had a good idea of what to expect when the sides cross paths on Saturday.
“Our last four matches against the All Blacks have been tight, so we have an idea of how they want to play and how they would try to expose our weaknesses,” said De Klerk.
“In our last match against them (in the 2019 Rugby World Cup) they kicked two kicks that we didn’t handle well and got turnover ball and scored from it. So, we know how vital it will be to kill the loose ball and to ensure that we don’t concede turnovers because that’s where they flourish.
“Their counterattack is one of their big scoring methods, so they are very dangerous when one makes mistakes.
Faf de Klerk's vision and Lukhanyo Am's execution combining to cross the whitewash🤝#RugbyChampionship #AUSvRSA #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever pic.twitter.com/GdftdyM7xn
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 20, 2021
“We know when we attack, we cannot make errors at all, and if we give them easy knock-ons, we need to kill that ball because that is when they come alive.
“They are also dangerous if they get off-loads so when it comes to our kicking game, we need to shut them down.”
The nuggety scrumhalf was excited about the prospect of lining up against TJ Perenara in the absence of Aaron Smith, who remained in New Zealand for the birth of his second child.
“I don’t think it will feel that strange not having Aaron Smith there," he said.
“TJ has a several Test caps and he’s a special player. They play a similar style of rugby but also add their own spice, so it’s going to be great to play against him.
“He’s a huge threat with his running game, so we’ll need to do some homework on him before the game.”
De Klerk looked forward to having flyhalf Elton Jantjies and utility back Frans Steyn back in the Bok mix, saying their experience will be invaluable, while their presence will have other benefits as well.
“The experience they’ll bring will be immense for us,” said De Klerk.
“A few more calm heads are never a bad thing. This will also give the backs a few more opportunities to have a go and to go out there and give their all. If the tank is empty, there are a few changes we can make.
“Frans can play almost any position and Elton has played centre and flyhalf, so I think we are well covered.”