Boks must hit Aussies hard:
● Kitshoff urges team to get in Wallabies’ faces
If the Springboks want to trample a wounded Wallabies outfit into the dust they must make big hits and be in their faces from the opening whistle, says Bok prop Steven Kitshoff.
The firebrand red-headed front-rower is set to make his 32nd appearance for the Boks in what promises to be a fierce Rugby Championship clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
While the Boks are walking on air after their shock win over the All Blacks, Australia are seeking redemption after slipping to defeat at the hands of Argentina.
The Boks are aware of the firepower in the Aussie ranks because they ended up second best in Brisbane earlier in the competition.
“We must be ready for anything Australia throw at us in Port Elizabeth,” Kitshoff said.
“Each tight-head prop in the Australian setup has his own unique scrummage style.
“You have to take on each one with a new set of skills.
“Doing our homework this week is very important, as we do not know what the Australian team will look like.”
Kitshoff said Wallaby loose forwards Michael Hooper and David Pocock would pose massive threats to the Boks’ hopes of victory.
“Hooper and Pocock are brilliant at the breakdown and good at slowing our ball down.
“There will be a lot of emphasis on getting them off the ball and getting quick ball for our backs to strike with.
“Australia have a strong pack and are good players.
“In the Brisbane Test, we did not get the scrum going really well.
“This week, we must make it a cleaner and better battle when it comes to the set piece.
“Every Test match is a big occasion.
“You have to be up for it physically and emotionally.
“What we try to get right is being physical and being in their faces and making the big hits. When it comes off it feels brilliant.
“The prep in the week is to get that feeling ahead of kickoff and playing the best game we can.”
The prop said playing, training and competing against 105cap Bok veteran Beast Mtawarira for a starting berth was special.
“I am very happy just to be in the mix every week and I think the competition between Beast and me is good.
“We push each other every week to become better players.
“If it continues like that we will be both be happy and will continue working towards the bigger picture.
“Beast knows the scrummaging game back to front.
“So he is someone I look up to. It is special to have someone like Beast in the mix.”
Kitshoff said the Boks had taken extra energy away from their win over New Zealand.
“Each week we prep our best to beat any team we play.
“I think the win over the All Blacks gave the team a bit of confidence and we must take that into the weeks ahead.”