Springboks v All Blacks clash will be decided by BMT, says Erasmus

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the Eden Park showdown on Saturday between the Springboks and the All Blacks will be won by the team that shows the superior Big Match Temperament (BMT).

Erasmus, speaking after naming a side close to the one that beat the Wallabies in the Boks’ last Rugby Championship outing, said the contest is almost too tight to call.

“Every point will count, so we need to be sharp mentally and physically, and ensure that we leave nothing out on the field,” Erasmus said.

“It will be about belief in the vital moments. In the last few years, it has been one or two points between the teams almost every game. It is about who best handles the decisions that have to be made when the pressure is at its toughest.

“I can’t pinpoint one or two things that will sway it, because that is not how a game like this will pan out.”

The sides are so evenly matched that Erasmus delayed his team announcement until Thursday, rather than the usual Monday or Tuesday, in an effort to gain any possible advantage.

“We were not sure who the All Blacks would pick, and we figured it would be the same for them when they looked at us. When you play the All Blacks in New Zealand, you take as long as you can before naming your team. We saw five changes in the All Blacks team that we were not expecting.

“Sometimes we name our team on Monday to get it out of the way. But this week we were guessing a bit and maybe wanted them to guess too.”

Erasmus has selected 17 players who featured against the Wallabies in Cape Town.

“We selected the best possible team we could, knowing this is going to be an epic encounter, and many of these players have done the job for us before,” said Erasmus.

“This is going to be a completely different challenge, with the match being hosted in New Zealand at a venue where they hold a fantastic record.

“That said, we’ve been working hard on the detail we wanted to iron out following the matches against the Wallabies, so it’s now up to us to implement our plans and deliver a performance we can be proud of.”

Erasmus admitted the occasion is momentous for both sides.

“The history and rivalry between the sides speaks for itself, and with all the permutations attached to this match, it makes it special, so we are expecting it to be a proper grind.

“There are records on the line for both teams, and there’s no doubt this game will be important in trying to win the competition, especially given how close the standings are. It’s going to be a special match.”

Adding to the significance, All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea will be playing his 100th Test — something Erasmus believes will further fire up New Zealand.

“Playing 100 Tests is one of the most special milestones a player can achieve, and we’d like to congratulate Ardie for reaching this feat,” said the coach.

“He has been a true servant to New Zealand rugby, and he deserves all the recognition that comes with that. It also doesn’t get more special than playing at their fortress in such a massive game.

“Matches between the Springboks and All Blacks are always intense. Neither team will hold back. Most important for us will be to execute our game plan as well as we can, fight fire with fire, and be effective in every aspect.”

Springbok team v All Blacks @ Eden Park

Springboks starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux 14 Cheslin Kolbe 13 Jesse Kriel 12 Damian de Allende 11 Canan Moodie 10 Handre Pollard 9 Grant Williams 8 Siya Kolisi 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Marco van Staden 5 Ruan Nortje 4 Eben Etzebeth 3 Thomas du Toit 2 Malcolm Marx 1 Ox Nche; Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels 17 Boan Venter 18 Wilco Louw 19 Lood de Jager 20 Kwagga Smith 21 Cobus Reinach 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 23 Ethan Hooker.