RG Snyman set for Jordie Barrett battle as Springboks chase Eden Park history

RG Snyman is looking forward to his reunion with Jordie Barrett, but this time around the duo will face each other on Saturday when the Springboks and All Blacks clash in the first of two Rugby Championship Tests in Auckland.

The Bok lock and Barrett were instrumental in Leinster winning the United Rugby Championship (URC) this past season, but there will be no friendly exchanges between the two should they face each other.

It’s a crucial clash at Eden Park, where the Springboks will look to win for the first time since 1937. The hosts will look to keep their unbeaten record at the Test stadium that they’ve held since 1994.

“Much is made about the records at Eden Park,” Snyman said on Monday.

“However, it is always tough to come and play here. It doesn’t matter at which stadium we face them. But because a lot is said about it and that we haven’t won here in a while, it puts that pressure on both sides.

“Speaking to some of the guys who have played here more, and others who have only played here once or twice, it is a massive chance to be here and have the opportunity to break those records. We have settled in nicely this side, and we will have a full week of training.”

According to Snyman, they’ve adapted well to the new time zone, having landed in Auckland last week already, and it makes a massive difference that they’ve travelled well ahead of the first Test. They also grew accustomed to the rainy weather in New Zealand.

The towering lock had a rare start in the previous match against Australia, with Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager playing off the bench. Should he be selected on Thursday, he is keen to face Barrett.

“I’ve gotten to know him off the field, and that was nice. He is a great rugby player and meant a lot for us at Leinster, just like he does for the All Blacks. I look forward to seeing him on the other side of the field this weekend.”