The Springboks game plan of using the boot has come under heavy criticism following three straight defeats.

While the Springboks came close during last week’s 19-17 defeat to the All Blacks, they pride themselves on being the best in the business when it comes to the aerial battle.

Springbok flyhalf, Handré Pollard, said it is a part of their DNA.

“Of course, one would think losing a few matches in a row would dent your confidence, but we believe in our processes and we get a lot of confidence from our preparation, one another and our plan.

“Every weekend we go out there and try to execute the plan to the best of our ability.

“The intent, training and preparation is the same for us each week. The results are just not going our way, but we’ll give our all on Saturday as we do every weekend.

“We have a specific soul and DNA in this team, in which we believe we are the best at and we trust our systems and our plan.

“The aerial contest is an area of the match in which we feel we are the best in the world and it’s something we’ll keep working hard at and keep on doing going forward.”

Saturday’s Test at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast kicks off at 12:05.

All Blacks – TBA

Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché.

Replacements - 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Elton Jantjies, 22 Frans Steyn.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport