Boks’ challenge “to be even more desperate this week”

Springbok captain Salmaan Moerat and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick emphasised the importance of producing a desperate performance against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday as they look to achieve the “special” feat of registering consecutive victories down under in their second Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash.

The Boks opened their southern hemisphere campaign with a comprehensive 33-7 victory against Australia in Brisbane last weekend. The focus within the team all week has been to improve on that and try to lift their standards as they prepare for a massive backlash from the hosts, who have traditionally had the upper hand over them at home in the last few years.

“I thought the team was exceptional last week,” said Moerat, who was called up as a late injury replacement in Brisbane after RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje were ruled out of the clash due to niggles.

“Everyone bought into the plan, and they were desperate, and we are determined to back it up this weekend.

“Australia will be desperate to turn things around, and we are well aware of that, so our challenge will be to be equally as desperate, if not more desperate on Saturday.”

Moerat also expected a vastly improved performance from the Wallabies’ forward pack, who found themselves under pressure for most of the match last weekend.

“They’ll be desperate to rectify things from last week, and they have a forward pack that has a lot of pride in their scrum and set pieces,” said Moerat.

“Angus Bell (Wallaby prop) is a quality player, along with several other of their forwards, so we are expecting a massive battle. From our side, the guys are excited and ready to go.”

Stick backed up his captain’s comments, saying: “It’s important for us to keep improving, and if we can win two out of two here in Australia, it will be special.

“That said, if we don’t pitch up with a desperate mindset it could be a long day for us. This is a big occasion for both teams, and the side that arrives there mentally and physically ready, will probably take it on the day.”

Stick and Moerat were delighted to see a few young players get an opportunity alongside a bunch of veterans in the match, especially against a Tier 1 team such as Australia, and said they had full faith in the players to deliver on the expectations on them.

“Our main goal is always to win games, and that’s something we don’t take for granted,” said Stick.

“We are also trying to transform the team, and we have 33 players here, who have all been working hard for their opportunity. So, I’m excited to see the young guys like Morne (van den Berg) and a few others receive an opportunity, while players like Lukhanyo (Am) have the done the job before.

“As coaches we trust all the players here and we are thrilled to see them get a chance to prove themselves. We believe in these guys to lift their hands and to give the coaches the answers they are looking for before the New Zealand Tests, so we are excited to see what they dish up.”

Moerat added: “One thing that’s for certain is that everyone in this team is desperate for this chance and they want to cement their places in the squad with an eye on the New Zealand Tests.

“If we can get a good result going into the All Black Tests in South Africa it would give us a lot of confidence.”

Moerat also praised the fantastic South African support base in Perth and said they hoped to make them proud on Saturday.

“The support all week has been exceptional,” said the Bok skipper. “Every day at training there were a large group of supporters, and we hope they’ll come out in full force at the Optus Stadium, and that we can deliver a good performance to thank them for that.”

The match kicks off at 11h55 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.