Cameron Hanekom calls for collective effort against All Blacks

The Springboks currently have a 2-1 advantage in the inaugural series following victories in the second and third Tests. 

Hanekom, who came off the bench on Saturday at the FNB Stadium, has vowed to give his all whether or not he is selected in the team head coach Rassie Erasmus announces to face the All Blacks this weekend. 

“It’s going to have to be a collective effort. From everyone that’s traveling, it’s part of the management, coaches and players. We all have to buy in together, and that’s what we’ve been doing. And it’s been working for us, I mean, if we get that collective buy-in, the hard work will pay off at the end of the day,” said Hanekom

“Obviously, the team is not selected, if I am selected or not I will give it my everything for the team."

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Reflecting on the Springboks’ 29-24 victory over the All Blacks on the weekend, Hanekom described it as intense and a proper battle, adding that the atmosphere brought by the 85,976  fans in Soweto was surreal.

The Bulls number 8, who has just come back from injury a few months ago, says he believes his place in the national setup is not secured owing to the depth in the squad, which he has labelled as healthy competition.

“It's always going to be a challenge. We’ve got a lot of proper players coming through the ranks. We’ve got a healthy competition at the moment so I must say I don’t think my place is secured at all. It’s always going to be a hard battle every week. 

Head coach Rassie Erasmus is set to announce the team tonight at 8pm (SA Time), which will run out against New Zealand on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA.