Springbok lock Lood de Jager expects to be “sucking diesel” during another high-octane battle against the All Blacks when the rivals clash on the Highveld on Saturday.

The Boks convincingly beat the All Blacks in Nelspruit thanks to their physicality, as the visitors desperately tried – and failed – to circumvent the relentless rush defence from the hosts.

But, De Jager says New Zealand will be even more determined to break down the Boks when the sides cross paths at Ellis Park in the second Rugby Championship Test of 2022.

“The way the game went [last Saturday] there were long passages of play and when the ball was in play it was at a very high intensity; we obviously tried to enforce ourselves, which is mauling and a confrontational game which we believe works.

“And they tried to enforce their game back on us which is a bit more expansive with the quality players that they have and their offloads.

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“I think for both sides there were times when you were sucking diesel out there trying to catch your breath.”

“The All Blacks are a proud team and New Zealand is a proud rugby nation, so we expect them to be more desperate this week than at the Mbombela Stadium,” he added.

“Our focus, however, is on what we can do better. But, that said, they will come at us with everything they have, and we are expecting another massive battle this weekend.

“The big word against the All Blacks is intensity. When we face each other, both teams give everything they have, so for us it is important to take a hard look at ourselves and to improve where we can so we can deliver the best performance possible.”

Forwards coach Deon Davids added: “In our preparation, you always look at your defensive plan and the players’ effort, and you can’t find big mistakes in terms of our defensive effort.

“That is something we work hard on … the effort of the guys to get back up on their feet and cover the width of the field and each other’s inside.

“Against New Zealand, you need to be up for that collision area, whether you’re carrying the ball or stopping momentum.”

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Photo: Darren England/EPA