Schalk ready for All Black challenge

Schalk Burger is looking forward to the challenge of fronting up to the New Zealanders on Saturday.

“Have a look at them, they are a pretty awesome side, an all round rugby side, so preparation is going to be key this week. It’s always a good test for us, playing against them, but it is the sort of game all the guys look forward to.

“You have to imagine yourself against them – they have been the number one for the past four years, and it is going to be interesting.”

He spoke about his showdown with Richie McCaw, widely regarded as the best player in the world:

“He’s an awesome player. I have played against him quite a few times, and it is always a great challenge, one of those battles that could go either way. And I am just looking forward to playing against him. What a tough competitor. It’s a great privilege to play against all of them, I just hope we don’t disappoint.

“It is different against the All Blacks. The big thing about the All Blacks is they are tough up front, and brilliant out wide. They have the all-round game and it tests you as a player and as a rugby team so much. It is a complete test of your skill.

“It’s their first Tri-Nations game, the adrenaline will be pumping, and they want to get off to a good start. But no matter what happens, it will still be an awesome experience.”

“The result is important – we have a little momentum now, we have won four games in a row, and if we win this won, we have even more momentum to carry on with. It will be good for the confidence.

“We are pretty confident at the moment, even though last Saturday wasn’t easy. Luckily we got through that one, I thought the Australians played really well. We aren’t over-confident though!”

“The Super 14 definitely helped the confidence. But they are playing as the All Blacks now, and we are the Boks, so it is a long time ago. We are just feeding off what we did last weekend.”

“It will be very tough against New Zealand, there’s a reason they’re the number one ranked side in the world. They’ll pose different challenges on defence and attack. They’re definitely as organised as Australia on defence, but will look to be more open and attacking.

“The Tri-Nations series is no place for sissies; especially when you play against the All Blacks. The reason one plays rugby is to get an opportunity to play against them.”

“Australia were sitting back and feeding off our mistakes, but I think the All Blacks will be positive and look to play a bit more rugby. We’ll have a look at them this week and then plan accordingly.

“But we’re relishing the challenge. As a Springbok you always look forward to playing against the All Blacks.”