@Springboks
Springbok captain Salmaan Moerat and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick emphasised the importance of producing a desperate performance against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday.
This is 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 and the focus this week was on lifting their standards.
“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.
Stick echoed 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.”
Moerat also praised the fantastic South African support base in Perth and said they hoped to make them proud on Saturday.
The match kicks off at 11h55 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
