Springboks flank Ben-Jason Dixon and prop Ox Nche during a press conference Springboks flank Ben-Jason Dixon is relishing the chance to face the All Blacks for the first time at senior level, in their Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday. Seen here: Dixon (left) and Ox Nche (right). Photo: Michael Sherman/IOL Sport
Facing the All Blacks for the first time at senior level is a dream come true for Springboks flank Ben-Jason Dixon.
The flanker will start in jersey seven, as South Africa host New Zealand in their Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Though Dixon has faced New Zealand at the Under-20 World Cup in 2018, the 26-year-old has never faced the All Blacks.
Asked how he would approach the clash, Dixon shared his excitement with the contest just a few days away.
Facing the All Blacks for the first time at senior level, is a dream come true for Springboks flank Ben-Jason Dixon.
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) August 28, 2024
Video: @Golfhackno1 @IOL pic.twitter.com/ulrQrYS5xB
“It’s the dream, as you grow up some people plan their Saturdays around watching the Bok Test. Being able to experience it myself is the real deal,” said Dixon.
“I’ve been living on the momentum and excitement, I don’t think that moment has come where I stop and think how massive this is. But I’m enjoying the moment and trying to make the best of it and serve the team well.
“There were quite a bit of nerves earlier in the week. The intensity and the urgency of the prep is up there.”
Until Eben Etzebeth was passed fit and inserted into the team in place of Marco van Staden, Dixon would have been required to cover the lock position if needed.
Having Etzebeth back on the bench, however, came as some relief for Dixon who has just three Springbok caps to his name.
“It simplifies my job a little bit. I am working on having full confidence to fulfil that role.
“He [Etzebeth] told me the more games he plays, the more hungry he gets to win and more passionate. He has his heart on his sleeve. You can see the way he celebrates small moments and big moments. You feed off that energy.”
Prop Ox Nche, meanwhile, will be earning his 34th appearance for the Springboks.
The 29-year-old revealed what it’s like to scrum in a high-intensity match like that between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
“For me, a scrum is very personal. Most props take it very personally. You know the first one is always going to be about representing your country, and you take pride in that. From there for me, it’s all about who has the biggest bind.
“After the first scrum, we feel each other out in the second scrum. That’s when you know you’re in for a long day. As soon as you get the upper hand after the second scrum, you start seeing the doubt, start feeling the scrum and playing tricks. You find new ways to disempower [your opposition]. That’s when you know you have him.”
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