The Springboks, who kicked off their week-long training camp in Hazyview, outside of Nelspruit, on Monday, will face the All Blacks at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit and then at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg.

Orie said the team were gearing up for the challenge as well as they could at training, especially after making the switch from the southern hemisphere Vodacom Super Rugby competition to the northern hemisphere Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

“The switch from playing Super Rugby to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship was challenging at first, as the styles of rugby between the southern and northern hemisphere are different,” said Orie, who was a member of the inaugural VURC winning team, the DHL Stormers.

“But I believe it was advantageous for us and that we can apply those learnings in the national team. We know the Castle Lager Rugby Championship will be a different challenge, but we have been simulating our training sessions according to what we can expect in the tournament.”

When asked about the All Blacks locks, he said they had a top-class players in their ranks, and that the Springboks were excited about lining up against them.

“They are renowned for their strong set piece, and they have world class players in their ranks,” said Orie.

“Brodie Retallick was injured, and Sam Whitelock missed one game, so this will be a good challenge for us.

“That said, we have world class locks too and there is good competition within the squad. We’ve also spent a lot of time analysing their lineout, and we know it will be a challenge against them, but we have been preparing as well as possible.”

Orie was delighted to be in the Springbok squad and said he has been adapting well to his role in the national team: “It was fantastic to be involved with the DHL Stormers and to go all the way in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

“I didn’t think we would do that, and it is good to be back in Cape Town where I started playing my rugby. And to be with the Springboks is an honour and privilege, so for me it is a case of taking it day by day and doing my best to make the team perform well.”