Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit have described the upcoming Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series as a “special tournament” as they prepare to face the All Blacks four times in one season.

The duo addressed media after the Boks completed their final training session ahead of Saturday’s first Test at 10bet Ellis Park, where centre Damian de Allende will become only the 10th player in Springbok history to earn 100 Test caps.

Four weeks of intensity

Stick said playing the All Blacks in four consecutive matches presents a unique challenge in world rugby.

“These are moments that we live for. The closest thing to the Greatest Rivalry in terms of a series where every game counts is probably the British & Irish Lions series, or the knockout stages of the World Cup, and our mindset for these games will draw on those experiences,” Stick said.

“Representing our country is something we don’t take for granted. We know it’s going to be a tough challenge. The All Blacks are in a good space and have been playing very well. But from our side, we also want to keep improving and evolving, and we will never be comfortable.”

Du Toit, who will play his 99th Test on Saturday, said having New Zealand tour South Africa for a four-match series is a massive privilege.

“It’s an awesome stadium for us and it’s close to my heart. When you stand there and sing the anthem and see the supporters behind the Springboks, it’s unbelievable. And of course, the 1995 Rugby World Cup was won there as well, so it’s a very special place for our country,” the captain said.

De Allende reaches century

Both coaches and players paid tribute to De Allende, who joins team-mates Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi in the exclusive 100-Test club.

Stick praised the centre’s resilience throughout his career, noting he had faced criticism along the way.

“In our camp, we always knew what a man he is and the value he adds to the team. He’s one of those guys who does the dirty work without anyone seeing it, so for him to play his 100th Test match is a great achievement for him and his family,” Stick said.

Du Toit recalled watching De Allende’s early days at the Stormers.

“He played on the wing and I just saw this beast in the way he carried the ball and his work on defence. I have so much respect for him, the way he carries himself on and off the field, and how he’s grown as a person.”

Facing the haka with respect

Du Toit said facing the All Blacks’ traditional haka remains a significant honour, echoing comments from head coach Rassie Erasmus earlier in the week about the team’s deeper understanding of its cultural meaning.

“It’s a massive honour to face the haka. Just as Tony (Brown, Bok assistant coach) has helped us understand what it stands for, each individual player will have a personal meaning of what standing there is. We’ll face the haka with respect and we’ll accept the challenge,” Du Toit said.

All Blacks threat

Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash, Stick said the All Blacks will bring fierce intensity, particularly at set pieces.

“We know New Zealand is going to bring it in terms of intensity, and we’ll have to perform really well at the lineouts and the scrums especially because they’re going to try to test us there. They’ll also look for gaps with their skilful players, so I’d say the key would be to stay alert and not get caught out,” he said.

ALSO READ: Boks vs All Blacks: Battle of the best begins on Saturday