The Springboks arrived in Auckland close to midnight local time on Wednesday to continue preparations for back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks.
It is a city where there are a number of South African expats, and a video posted to social media shows a sizeable group of Springbok supporters – many wearing green and gold jerseys – who turned up to welcome Siya Kolisi and his team.
WATCH THE SPRINGBOKS’ AIRPORT WELCOME BELOW:
The Springboks will battle it out with the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday 6 September, and at the Sky Stadium in Wellington a week later on 13 September.
They will then return to South Africa to face Argentina in Durban on Saturday 27 September, before wrapping up their campaign against the Pumas in London on 4 October.
“We travelled well, and although it’s a long trip to New Zealand, we are excited to be here and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
“It’s always tough playing here, but the group is in good spirits, and we are fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE TEAM WILL DO IN NZ?
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