Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp during a press conference Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp would relish the chance to take on the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday. Photo: Michael Sherman/IOL Sport
For Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp, it would be a dream come true if he plays a part in the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, in Johannesburg, on Saturday.
The 27-year-old Bulls front-rower has four Springbok caps to his name, and would dearly love to scrum down against New Zealand in front of a vocal home crowd.
In fact, the pressure will be on the Springbok front row as the loose forwards have been hit with a number of injuries.
Salmaan Moerat, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn will not be considered due to injury. RG Snyman, meanwhile, may not be available for an even longer period. Eben Etzebeth is also doubtful for the encounter as he is battling a niggle.
For @Springboks prop Gerhard Steenekamp, it would be a dream come true if he plays a part in the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, in Johannesburg, on Saturday.
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) August 26, 2024
Video: @Golfhackno1 @IOLNews pic.twitter.com/rnVKgS26s1
“It would be a massive honour to play against the All Blacks if I get the opportunity, especially being so new in the Springbok environment. And it’s certainly a chance I hope to grab with both hands,” said Steenekamp.
“They have a good scrum and setpiece, and we’ll make sure we work hard and do our best up-front to counter the challenge they provide. It’s every young boy’s dream who plays rugby to face the All Blacks, so it would be special.”
The 126kg Steenekamp said he relishes the challenge of pushing for a place in the Springbok team littered with incredible depth.
“I don’t need more fire underneath me. For me it’s an honour to play alongside guys I’ve looked up to my entire life.
“Fortunately, I have the opportunity of training against some of the best props in the world on a weekly basis, and I try to learn more from them each day.”
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