It’s D-day for the Proteas’ “Other Guys” when they finally face New Zealand in the first of two Tests at the Bay Oval in Bay of Plenty.
Coach Shukri Conrad’s B-stringers take the field at 12am Monday morning South African time.
While their countrymen will be vas aanie slaap or getting reg for work the next day, Conrad is convinced Neil Brand and his manne will silence their critics.
Much has been made about the South Africa squad sent to the Land of the Long White Cloud, with all their stars playing in the ongoing SA20 tournament on home soil.
Conrad, though, reckons this span won’t be heading into their first match undercooked.
He says: “We’ve pretty much ticked all our boxes in terms of preparation… unless we encounter conditions in a big way different to that the Mount Maunganui normally dishes up, we have a good idea of what the XI will look like.
“We’ve prepared particularly well for this tour… and our time here so far has been nothing short of brilliant, I’m happy with here we’re at.
“We are as well prepared as we’ll ever be,” he adds.
Up against a full-strength Kiwis side, these Proteas have a point to prove.
Making An Entrance 👌
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 1, 2024
Touchdown Mount Maunganui for the first Test at Bay Oval 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🇳![CDATA[]]>🇿
Black Caps see you soon 😉#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/lFktBxj15g