Jasper Wiese says South Africa's preparations for Saturday's series-deciding fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore are unchanged by the absence of Ardie Savea, warning that New Zealand's remaining loose forwards carry the same threat.
"Obviously Ardie is a massive pillar in their team and the captain, but I don't think our preparation changes much," Wiese said in a video call from the team's US hotel. "The other loose forwards who are there, in my experience, are as experienced as he is and have played in big games, so I don't think our preparation changes a lot. In big games those guys will also step."
The Boks lead the series 2-1 and need at minimum a draw to secure their first series win over the All Blacks in 50 years. New Zealand must win to level it. Wiese, who will earn his 49th cap in Baltimore, said he was bracing for a fierce response from the visitors.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it, I don't think there was a lot of chat on the charter flight — maybe I was at the back of the plane. I don't think it was too friendly, but we know how much it means to them. I think they're going to come out guns blazing this weekend."
Wiese and the Springbok loose trio of Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit set a new record in Soweto last weekend, making their 18th Test appearance together and surpassing the previous mark of 17 held by Kolisi, Du Toit and Duane Vermeulen.
"It's a massive privilege to play with guys like Siya and Pietie. I try to never take it for granted," Wiese said. "It's special to have built a relationship not only on the field but off the field with those guys — in every aspect we truly are friends."
The 30-year-old, who acknowledged his body takes a significant toll after each All Blacks Test, was candid about the physical demands of the series. "After a game I'm always sore, but I take a few pain pills on the Sunday and get the body going again on the Monday, and then we rinse and repeat."