'We're used to Brakpan and Welkom' says Bok assistant coach on obscure Mt Smart Stadium

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick is no stranger to the moonscapes that comprise South Africa's rugby grounds from Brakpan to Kimberley, which has prepared him for a small arena like the Mount Smart Stadium.

Saturday's 104th clash between the All Blacks and the Springboks will be played at the more obscure rugby league venue because Eden Park's hosting of Women's World Cup games means the latter is now under FIFA jurisdiction.

Six years ago, on their last visit to Auckland in 2017, the Boks were 29km north at the North Harbour Stadium when they lost 57-0 to the All Blacks.

Their last game at Eden Park was the infamous 29-15 loss in 2013.

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For Stick, it is his first Test in Auckland and it matters for him in every way, including where they will play.

The Boks were kept to Wellington in 2018 and 2019, when they won and drew against the All Blacks, respectively, while they last played in Dunedin in 2012.

They played in Christchurch in 2017, with Wellington clearly being the favoured venue having also played there in 2014.

Stick said he was surprised at how Saturday's venue has been talked down, as the South African camp felt it was world-class.

"The way the people spoke about the field, we were actually surprised when we got to the Mount Smart Stadium because the pitch is proper and is world-class," Stick said.

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"The stadium is very nice, even though it’s different from what we're used to with our grounds. Coming from South Africa, we're used to going to places like Brakpan and Welkom.

"When you travel to places like Kimberley, it's not the