Springbok stand-in captain Duane Vermeulen has confronted the reality that his time in green and gold is nearing an end, just like that of most of his 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning teammates.
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids said he expected a physical grind against New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland in the second Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.
The Springboks started their 2023 campaign in ominous fashion as they recorded an utterly dominant 43-12 victory over a wobbly Wallabies outfit in front of 50 000 fans in Pretoria.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones predicts that their clash with the world champion Springboks at Loftus Versveld will be better than the Ashes.
South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus admits the Wallabies have the advantage of surprise when they meet at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Lock Jean Kleyn has played international rugby before but admits nothing compares to the prospect of making his debut for the Springboks.