Mark Tele’a has never played in the cauldron that is Ellis Park, and although it will be the first time that he steps onto the intimidating ground in Doornfontein on Saturday, he will do so without fear and the knowledge that the All Blacks have already conquered that particular patch of earth numerous times.
Indeed, the Boks and New Zealanders have played 12 times in Johannesburg – including twice at FNB Stadium – since readmission, and have won there on seven occasions, including the last encounter in 2022, when they swept aside their hosts in the last 20 minutes to win 35-23.
The All Blacks are in Joburg and assistnat coach Scott Hansen has thoughts
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Since 2010 – which includes those two matches at Soccer City – the Boks have managed just one victory out of six matches in Joburg, a lonely 27-25 triumph in 2014 at Ellis Park.
The rugby landscape, however, has changed much since then.
The Springboks are now back-to-back world champions, and deep into the Rassie Erasmus era, have beaten their greatest of foes on five occasions – including in last year’s Rugby World Cup final – while drawing another Test under the current Bok mentor in 11 clashes.
Arguably the most significant change is that the SA rugby franchises – the Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks and Stormers – no longer participate in Super Rugby.
Previously, a player such as Tale’a – who has a South African father – would have been well versed in the experience of playing on the highveld.
As it stands, the 27-year-old has only played at Loftus Versfeld, and only for the Blues. He joins a group of players that have never played at Ellis Park.
Tele’a, however, remained steadfast in the belief that the All Blacks have the organisational wisdom and wherewithal to nullify what should be an advantage for the Boks, but which has rarely proven to be one.
“We have a lot of experience in our team and a lot of older boys as well,” said Tele’a this week in Johannesburg after and All Black training session.
“You want your young boys to come through and enjoy their journey and embrace the cultures and experiences they are going through – even our coaches as well.
“We are all on this journey together and as a team, we are trying to stack good performances and head in the right direction.”
“The luxury of people pulling together for one team"🥹
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At 1 800m above sea level, Ellis Park enjoys the distinction of being one of the highest-altitude rugby stadiums in the world.
In games past, the All Blacks have been able to pace themselves whenever they have played there, always finishing on a strong note.
Battling the altitude will once again play an important role if the All Blacks are to continue their success in Doornfontein.
“It’s real hard on the lungs real quick,” Tele’a admitted. “The altitude kicks in real fast.
“Every game here is like a Test match, even when we were playing here during Super Rugby. It will be a more physical challenge ...
“We want to take our beliefs and understandings of our training into Saturday and get ready for the matches. It will be exciting for me as I have never played at Ellis Park, so I am looking forward to it.”