FRIENDLY FIRE

RG SNYMAN is ready to exchange some friendly fire with former club teammate Jordie Barrett when the Springboks tackle the All Blacks in Saturday’s Rugby Championship match in New Zealand.

The towering Bok lock and Kiwi centre Barrett were two of Irish club Leinster’s most influential signings last season and helped the club win the United Rugby Championship for the first time since 2020-21.

But Snyman says there will be no love lost between him and Barrett when the Boks and All Blacks continue their over 100 years of rivalry.

Snyman wysed the Daily Voice: “Yes, we had a lekker season together at Leinster and it was wonderful getting to know him away from the rugby field.

“He is a great rugby player and he meant a lot to us at Leinster last season and similar to what he means to the All Blacks.

“I am looking forward to lock horns with him on the other side of the pitch this coming weekend.”

Snyman, who was awarded with a starting berth in South Africa’s 30-22 win against Australia at Cape Town Stadium is chomping at the bit to get another go after gryping sy kans as Eben Etzebeth played off the bench.

But Snyman knows his game will have to go up another level when the Boks tackle an All Black side that are desperate to protect a 31-year unbeaten record at Eden Park. He added: “A lot has been said about [the unbeaten record] but it is always tough to come and play here, no matter where you face them.

“The fact that it is being blown up – and because we have not won here in a long time – I think puts pressure on both teams.

“When you talk to some of the guys in our squad then there is not a lot of us who have had that opportunity to play here. It is an unbelievable opportunity that we have and go out there and do job.”