South Africa top the table after their victories over the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth, and their focus is on continuing to build on this with two Tests against New Zealand and Argentina respectively lined up.
The Boks overcame challenging weather conditions in Perth on Saturday to register a 30-12 victory against the Wallabies after recording a 33-7 win against them in Brisbane last week, and although the players were delighted with the team’s start to the southern hemisphere spectacle, they said the job was far from done.
“We are very excited that we could build on last week’s result, and it was particularly pleasing with all the players getting opportunities to play,” said Kolbe.
“It was special, but there’s a lot more to come. We certainly couldn’t have asked for a better start in the competition especially winning two games away from home, but we have to progress as the competition goes on.
“We’ll keep our feet on the ground and continue working hard in the weeks leading up to the games against New Zealand in South Africa which is going to be massive. As a team we are looking forward giving back in South Africa at the packed stadiums.
“As coach Rassie (Erasmus) said after the game, we haven’t achieved this in years, and we are definitely in a good position (in the competition), but we won’t just leave it at that and be complacent because we know the next two games are going to be tough. Tests between the All Blacks and Springboks are always tough matches.”
Van Staden, who scored his second Test try for South Africa in Perth, echoed the Bok speedster’s sentiments.
“It feels great for us as a group to get such a good start to the competition, but the work is not done,” said the Bok flanker.
“We still have a few big games to go, and we are looking forward to the next step. That said, to leave Australia with 10 points definitely gives us confidence going forward.”
Kolbe praised the coaching staff for their belief in the entire touring squad and said the fact that all the players – with the exception of RG Snyman, who was ruled out with a foot niggle – received a chance to play made the tour even more rewarding.
“It was nice to see some of the young guys put up their hands and they definitely showed that they want to be here and stay here, which is exciting from a player point of view,” said Kolbe. “The belief from the coaches and players and the willingness to always give their best is a testament what the team stands for.”
The Springboks will depart for South Africa in two groups on Sunday and Monday, with the squad set to reassemble in Johannesburg on Thursday to begin preparations for the Tests against the All Blacks, on 31 August in Johannesburg and 7 September in Cape Town.
