“The biggest games of my career”, Roigard reflects on tour
The team is now in the United States, preparing for the fourth test of the Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks, with Roigard saying that they need to minimise errors in order to level the series.
"We created a lot of opportunities. We got ourselves in the right area of the field, but we missed probably two or three opportunities particularly in that second half, which against a team like South Africa, it's not good enough," said Roigard at the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington DC.
"South Africans, they don't want to make errors, so they're gonna try and put pressure on us through set piece, through kicking and whatnot. When we're making mistakes, that's just fuel in their game."
All Blacks face rare fourth straight Test against Springboks
This is only the second time the All Blacks have faced the same opponent four times in a row in the professional era, with the last being in the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season where international travel was limited to Australia only. It was Roigard’s first time in South Africa, and he said that the tour had provided plenty both on and off the field.
"Playing the same team four times in a row is pretty unique, but we're gonna get a lot of growth out of it, and hopefully we can be better this week for sure," he said.
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Black jersey still carries a lot of meaning for debutants
Coach Dave Rennie took an extended squad of 44 players to South Africa, which has meant that several players have debuted on the tour. Roigard said that the experience of being in the changing room post match for those moments was special.
"It's cool to see how much the black jersey means for players coming through. It still means as much as it did probably 10, 15 years ago, which I think is pretty special. When you put on the black jersey for the first time, it's a reflection of family support and people that have helped you to get to that moment, and it is a lifelong thing."
Another big moment for Roigard was the realisation of the support the All Blacks enjoy in South Africa.
"A lot of All Blacks fans over here, which was quite surprising for myself. I wouldn't really expect that, like actual South Africans that supported the All Blacks, which is pretty unique."
However, the main focus for Roigard was on the field.
"I knew before coming in, if I was to play and start, that these would be the biggest games of my career, at the moment. And they definitely have been. They've tested me and the team in many ways, but all for the better. We feel like we're still early doors in terms of what we can achieve or what we're building towards. But I think everyone's pretty excited in terms of where we can get to. Good things take time."
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All Blacks set for Springboks series decider at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium
Moving from South Africa to the US has been a sharp contrast for everyone involved in the tour, but all eyes are now on Baltimore’s impressive 71,000 seat M&T Bank Stadium for the fourth test. There will be a lot of South African and New Zealand support in the crowd, however the local American rugby community is expected to be out in force like they were in Chicago last year.
"I think that's the whole point of playing here,” said Roigard.
“We're trying to grow the game, and it'll be a new experience for a lot of people that'll be watching on the weekend, and hopefully we can produce a product that can be a good reflection on the game of rugby."
No matter where the game is played though, Roigard is well aware that this fixture is the greatest challenge in rugby right now. The Springboks are world champions for a reason, so for him the pressure to be at his best is paramount.
"It's where we get tested and where you grow the most. I feel like I've still got a lot to give. I feel like I can still play a lot better. I want to finish this tour strong and have a massive impact in this last test."
All Blacks v Springboks match details
Sunday 13 September, 9.00AM NZT
Watch live on Sky Sport
