The Springboks head into the clash with a 33-26 victory from last weekend’s second Test behind them, but there is still plenty for the world champions to sharpen up. Despite winning, the Boks conceded four tries to New Zealand’s three.

Arendse says defence has been a major focus during the week as the Springboks prepare for another physical battle.

“We know the All Blacks are good at finding the wide channels and we’ve put things in place to counter that,” said Arendse.

Kurt-Lee Arendse. Photo: SA Rugby

The speedster believes the Springboks have also learnt from their approach in the opening Test, where he feels they became too preoccupied with New Zealand rather than concentrating on their own game.

“In the first Test we focused too much on them instead of ourselves, but this time our focus is more on ourselves and where we need to improve, so hopefully we will manage things better.”

Arendse says defensive improvement is never a once-off exercise, with the Springboks constantly looking for ways to tighten up their game.

“We work every week on ways to get better in defence,” he said. “We fixed up a few things this week that we lacked last weekend, but it’s something we work on every week to get ourselves better and prevent teams from scoring.”

The Springboks will have a reshuffled back three on Saturday, with Cheslin Kolbe moving to fullback following Damian Willemse’s injury.

Arendse has no concerns about the change and believes his familiarity with Kolbe will help the back three click into gear quickly.

Kurt-Lee Arendse. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s pretty much the same because I’ve played with Cheslin at fullback before,” said Arendse.

“It’s just a different number on his jersey. We communicate really well in training and on the field, and we’ll take that onto the park this weekend.”

Despite already earning 33 Test caps, Saturday will be a first at FNB Stadium for Arendse.

The former Blitzbok is relishing the prospect of playing in front of what is expected to be a raucous Soweto crowd. “I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing,” said Arendse.

“The last time I was at FNB Stadium was in 2023 for the Soweto Derby between South African football clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, and the support that came out for that was great, so I think it will be the same this weekend. We’re really looking forward to it.”

With the Springboks already having played two home Tests in the series, Arendse says the squad is eager to sign off with a strong performance in front of their home supporters.

“It’s a really important Test and we’re going to give everything. We definitely want to finish on a high.”

Saturday’s Test at the Calabash kicks off at 17:10.

Springboks - 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements - 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morné van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok

All Blacks - 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 George Bower

Replacements - 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby 

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs