1News rugby reporter Andrew Saville arrived in South Africa this week. He gives some early thoughts ahead of Sunday's blockbuster first Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Stepping on to the plane in Singapore for the final leg, Johannesburg, before we were even seated, a debate raged between a Springboks supporter and an All Blacks fan.
Over who? Sean Fitzpatrick, of course.
Between several rows, Alan from Geraldine (yes real name and town used ) hailed the former All Blacks captain a future Prime Minister and one of the greats.
An unknown Bok fan piped up, “no he was the world’s biggest cheat”. The economy cabin roared with laughter. Nothing ever changes in the greatest rivalry.
1News rugby reporter Andrew Saville is in Johannesburg for the first Test between the All Blacks and Springboks. (Source: Breakfast)
Fitzy on fire
Speaking of which, Fitzpatrick was the guest of honour at the series trophy unveiling midweek.
Former Boks skipper from the mid '90s Gary Teichmann represented the bottle green. Teichmann was a colossus of a number eight in his day for the Sharks and South Africa and still cuts an impressive figure.
Fitzy lobbed a few subtle grenades to the mainly South African crowd, including how he loved to walk around grounds in the Republic pre-game and wave to the crowd, just to rile the fans.
The function was held at the head office of series sponsor Castle Lager. I can confirm the South Africans definitely know how to organise a “proverbial” in a brewery. At the same time, with huge sponsorship support, you have to wonder why ticket prices are astronomically high for the series, pricing most locals completely out of games.
Ellis Park factor
We headed to the famous venue midweek for some extra filming. The walk down the changing room steps is something to behold, that’s even before the walk down the tunnel, on a steep decline.
Once out, you realise it’s not the world’s biggest stadium, but it’s bloody intimidating. The crowd is almost on top of the field. The word cauldron is often used, but Ellis Park IS definitely a cauldron and will be a major factor in Sunday morning’s game for both teams.
Calm before the storm
The final full All Blacks training run suggests they’re all set. Very relaxed but with a steely quietness. The team has been training at a private school a 20-minute bus ride from their hotel, with tinder dry fields matched by the crisp heat and thin air.
A number of former players attended the final session, including Sir John Kirwan, Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles. Mealamu, now a NZR board member, never took a backward step against the Boks. Coles seemingly always pulled out his best play and best one liners for South Africa as well.
The fact Dave Rennie is leaning into the past to move forward is a welcome sight and a welcome return to making sure those who wore the jersey before the current team aren’t forgotten.
For the Love of Ruben
Going through both teams there’s a number of crucial players with vital roles, none more so than first-five Ruben Love.
The biggest game of his young Test career, after being handed the keys at 10 in July and deservedly so.
A player who, assuming his forward pack is marching forward and has some time and space, can cut any team apart with a full array of talent and skills. With the rugby world watching Sunday morning is time for Love to shine, but the Boks won’t make it easy.
Coffee
For those wanting a full rundown on the Joburg touring menu, you’ll have to wait. No time for steak just yet, although a Big Mac combo is NZ$6 here. Someone’s creaming it back home.
More importantly, it’s been a first few days of good coffee and service with a smile. Proof again, NZ doesn’t have a mortgage on beans or banter.
The other takeaway? NEVER EVER complain about NZ. Even in your worst moments - venture through some parts of Joburg and you’ll quit the moaning forever.
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