Tuipulotu rejects All Blacks underdog label ahead of four-Test Springboks series

All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has rejected the underdog narrative surrounding New Zealand ahead of the first Test against the Springboks, speaking to reporters in Johannesburg as the four-match series against the back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions approaches.

“No, it doesn’t feel like we’re underdogs,” the 33-year-old Blues forward said. “I think it does feel like the two best teams are going to go head to head at the moment, trying to fight for that number one spot. It feels like a final for us.”

Tuipulotu is among the leading candidates for a starting berth in Dave Rennie’s lineup after coming through all three midweek tour matches against URC sides unscathed. The veteran lock, who has earned 58 Test caps since his 2014 debut, had missed portions of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign through injury but has delivered consistent performances throughout the tour.

His familiarity with South African conditions gives him an edge over several squad members who have never played in the Republic or faced the Springboks before. That experience, he suggested, has helped shape the touring group’s preparation.

“We’ve had a few new guys slot in, a few different combinations. Having everyone get the chance to play has been pretty important,” Tuipulotu said. “Having all 43-44 of us across the game plan and how we want to play has been pretty big for us and set us up well.”

He pointed to the opening tour fixture against the Stormers as a useful early marker. “Our first game against the Stormers was probably so good for us in terms of our discipline and the set piece. So there’s been some steady improvement.”

While none of the three warm-up matches extended to the wire, Tuipulotu knows the Tests against the Springboks will be decided in the final minutes. “A few of the games sort of go to 80-plus minutes, and those last two or three minutes is where the game is being won. It’s usually around discipline, sometimes around set piece — could be pinned down in a corner, trying to maul us and get a winning try.”

For all the tactical detail, Tuipulotu kept returning to the broader significance of the occasion. “There are two great rugby nations going head to head here, with very proud supporters backing both teams. Just to be part of it is pretty exciting. The Springboks are maybe number one in the world for a reason. We’re not far off, and we need to test ourselves and see where we’re at.”