Springboks up for massive challenge – Schalk Burger
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Schalk Burger on Friday exuded calmness a day before his first Test as Springbok captain when South Africa host New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg.
Burger was appointed Springbok captain earlier this week and said this is probably one of the biggest challenges of his long international career.
Emirates Airline Park is sold out for this match, which kicks off at 17h05 on Saturday. It’s the second round of a condensed Castle Lager Rugby Championship and the Boks will be looking to emulate their brilliant win in the corresponding fixture last year.
“It doesn’t get any bigger than this, facing the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park,” said Burger.
“Playing rugby in the garden as youngsters, it was always the Boks against the All Blacks. But this is obviously different and it will be a very tight fixture between the two top ranked sides in the world.”
Burger said the team prepared the same as they always do for Tests and had a good week in Johannesburg.
“A lot has been said and written about New Zealand this week, but for us, it’s about what we want to achieve, getting our ducks in a row and putting in the best possible performance on Saturday,” said Burger.
“We certainly don’t need any added motivation for a match such as this one as the buzz around the hotel and within the team has been great.
“I’m just staying as calm as possible, it’s who I am and I won’t be doing anything different tomorrow, apart from the privilege of wearing the captain’s armband. First and foremost it’s about the team and our own performance though.
“Yes, the Rugby World Cup is getting closer and we want to win as many Test as possible and get momentum, because that is important in sport. But it’s just as important to get a good victory in our first home Test of the season.”
“It will be a tight fixture and we have to play with composure and find ways to close out the game.”
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