The Springboks will be hungry to go for the rare opportunity to land a knockout blow against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, according to former assistant coach Gary Gold.

The Springboks piled more misery on to an All Blacks team coming off a historic home series loss to Ireland by claiming a 26-10 victory in the opening clash of the Rugby Championship. The 16-point margin was the Springboks’ biggest ever over the All Blacks in the professional era.

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Ahead of the second Test against the All Blacks in Johannesburg, the Boks further boosted their dominant pack with the return of veteran Duane Vermeulen, who has reunited with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi to form the back row that started in the 2019 World Cup final.

In a column for Stuff.co.nz, Gold, who was assistant coach when the Springboks beat the All Blacks three consecutive times in 2009 and won the Tri-Nations title, provides some insight into the mentality of the South African camp as they prepare for a rematch with the old enemy.

“There is no question of a doubt the Springboks will be scenting blood in the water,” writes Gold. “The number of times in the 101-year rivalry we have had the All Blacks up against the ropes has been few and far between. With this Bok team’s experience, they will want to go for the knockout punch. It’s not a position we find ourselves in too often and, in my opinion, we probably need to stay humble about that.”

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As for the All Blacks, Gold argues that the visitors would be better served by starting Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf, despite Beauden Barrett’s excellent solo performances in a struggling team.

“I think they’ll back their attack. If Richie Mo’unga were to come in at first five-eighth, I think he could vary it a bit more. He may take it to the line and bring in those chip kicks. Coming from his Crusaders background, Mo’unga may also be the more confident player who can offer the All Blacks a point of difference. I’m sure he will start.

“New Zealand is a proud rugby nation with world-class rugby players. They may not be playing that well at the moment but are going to come out guns blazing. As such, the Boks must meet them with the same fire as last weekend,” adds Gold.

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