Springboks sharpen defence ahead of crucial All Blacks showdown

New Zealand have scored nine tries across the opening two Tests, including five in their 33-16 victory at Ellis Park and another four in the 33-26 defeat in Cape Town.

Arendse says the focus during the week has been on making sure the defensive structure is strong enough to deal with New Zealand’s threats across the field.

"We work on our defence every week and today we fixed a few things that we lacked last weekend so that we can prevent the opposition from scoring tries."

READ: 'I love to scrum': All Blacks prop relishing another battle with the Boks

Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg is looking forward to a particularly significant occasion when he returns to FNB Stadium on Saturday. 

The Johannesburg-born Lions player will make his first Test appearance in his home city when he comes off the bench against New Zealand.

van den Berg has already enjoyed a special connection with the venue, having made his Lions debut there in 2020. 

He anticipates a special match in an iconic ground. 

"I'm very excited to play at FNB Stadium. We have trained there this week and I can say it's an absolutely incredible stadium. I'm very excited to play a test match in Johannesburg as well, and I think the whole team is buzzing for this opportunity."

van den Berg says the Boks will not make their defensive plans solely about stopping New Zealand number nine Cam Roigard. 

Instead, South Africa want to apply pressure across the All Blacks’ attack and prevent them from building momentum at the breakdown.

Kurt-Lee Arendse has also backed Cheslin Kolbe to make a smooth transition to fullback when the Springboks face the All Blacks. 

Kolbe will move from the wing to number 15 following Damian Willemse’s injury, with Arendse returning to the starting line-up on the right wing.

Arendse says Kolbe’s experience and versatility should make the positional switch relatively straightforward, while the combination of himself and Ethan Hooker will give the Boks plenty of attacking and defensive options in the back three.