Codie on his love for a Stormers contest

Codie Taylor is relishing the opportunity to lock horns with South African clubs again, as the veteran hooker gears up to lead the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

The New Zealanders have arrived in SA for a seven-match tour that starts against the Stormers next Friday before clashes with the Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions, and three Tests against the Springboks before a fourth in Baltimore, US.

Speaking during the All Blacks’ “Welcome to Country” event at Cape Town Stadium on Friday, Taylor can’t wait to renew old rivalries after South African rugby’s exit from Super Rugby in 2020.

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“It sucks not being able to come over here for Super Rugby, I used to love these tours, the contests that we have against all the clubs,” said Taylor, who has up to 150 appearances for 13-time Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders.

“It’s a different brand of rugby to what we get back home and you get a taste of it when you come over here – big physical men, great set-piece sides, but then also backs that can burn you pretty quick.

“I want to relish the opportunity to play these teams again. I was just remembering back to 2019, playing over here against the Stormers and what a game that was – we drew [19-19].

“The competitiveness is always there, even though we don’t play each other a lot [anymore]. Who knows, maybe one day it will happen again.”

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The All Blacks head into the series unbeaten after three Nations Championship victories under new boss Dave Rennie.

“We started our prep with the three Tests back home; there’s been a week off and then we’ve come over here early to prepare for the Stormers,” Taylor said.

“We’ve got a bigger squad, there’s going to be midweek games, and although it’s going to be tough, at the same time it gives everyone an opportunity … to work into those Test matches.”

Taylor is set to captain the All Blacks against the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls while Ardie Savea enjoys a break, before linking up with the team ahead of the 22 August Test at Ellis Park.

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The 35-year-old rake expects the Boks to provide the ultimate examination: “[Physicality] is one area that both teams pride themselves on, the other that they have a great set-piece, got a really good depth in their squad and backs that can open you up quick.

“This is the greatest challenge, the greatest rivalry …”

He, too, is confident a calf injury sustained in a 40-21 win over Ireland on 18 July will not keep him sidelined for long.

Taylor admitted he was overwhelmed by the welcome the All Blacks received in Cape Town. “We take a lot of pride in being a rugby nation ourselves, but I think we’ve been trumped, and it’s very evident today.

“I knew we had fans here, but I didn’t expect this sort of reception from so many people,” he added.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images