Boks to keep their foot on the pedal

Rudolph Jacobs

– Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff believes they shouldn’t rest on their laurels after already winning the Test series going into tomorrow’s third and final clash against England at Newlands.

Kitshoff, who has 25 caps, says England will be smarting after losing the opening two encounters.

“England have a very good pack and they are also preparing well for us, so this weekend is going to be another big set-piece battle,” said Kitshoff.

“We are very confident in our preparation for the weekend, we just keep building as a pack and take every weekend at a time.”

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus said yesterday he doesn’t consider Kitshoff as a “second choice and at the moment he and Beast (Mtawarira) are going toe-to-toe”.

“I was very happy to get the opportunity every weekend and Rassie put me on quite early in the second half,” Kitshoff said.

The Bok prop said despite England missing the Vunipola brothers, prop Mako and No 8 Billy, they will still be a threat.

“Mako Vunipola is a good player and not just in the scrums, he is a good carrier and defender, but I think Joe Marler brings a different aspect to the scrum,” he said.

“He is a bit more scrum focused and may be a bit better when it comes to set-piece play. I think it’s going to be a tough battle even though they don’t have either of the Vunipola brothers available.”

Kitshoff said if it’s indeed the Newlands swansong tomorrow it would be a sad day.

“Growing up as a kid just wanting to play at Newlands, it would be a bit heart-breaking if it’s the last Test there,” he said.

Cape Town