New Zealand front-row powerhouses Codie Taylor and George Bower can’t wait to pack down against the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The first of two Tests between the traditional rivals in the Rugby Championship will be played at Ellis Park, and in Cape Town a week later.
Taylor is relishing being back on South African soil ahead of this week’s clash on the Highveld, saying the adaptation to altitude has been helped by arriving in the Republic earlier than usual. “It’s always special coming here, such a unique rivalry. They’re the best in the world and they’re playing like it, so it’s going to be an awesome challenge for us as a team.Bower, who replaced injured loosehead prop Ethan de Groot on the eve of the trip, is grateful for the chance to be involved in the blockbuster showdowns.“I got the phone call on Wednesday, so I’m excited about the next two weeks and about being a part of it,” he said.
Bower said the traditional rivalry between the sides made it a unique feature of Test rugby: “It’s a rivalry that dates back long before I was born, and it’s a rich history in terms of rugby and the relationship between the two countries.
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