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Patrick Tuipulotu dismisses 'underdogs' tag ahead of Springboks showdown All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu has fronted media in Johannesburg ahead of the first Test against the Springboks, discussing what it will take to overcome the back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners. Tuipulotu could be labelled an experienced campaigner in the Republic, compared with others in the All Blacks’ touring squad who may never have played in South Africa or against the Springboks before the tour. The Blues lock looms as a likely contender to feature in Dave Rennie’s starting lineup for the first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against the Springboks, getting through the three midweek contests unscathed. Tuipulotu, who has now played 58 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2014, has strung together consistent performances on this tour despite missing parts of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign through injuries. When asked whether he feels the All Blacks are heading into the high-pressure, high-stakes four-Test series against the Springboks as underdogs, Tuipulotu shuts it down. “No, it doesn’t feel like we’re underdogs. I think it does feel like the two best teams are going to head to head at the moment, trying to fight for that number one spot, walk up to site that feels like a final for us,” Tuipulotu explained to reporters. “This is where you want to be. You want to test yourself against the best in the arena, this day and age. So obviously forward pack is pretty renowned. So certainly excited for that.” The 33-year-old lock is pleased with the steady progression the touring group has made, but knows it’s only the start. “We’ve had a few new guys sort of slot in a few different combinations. So having everyone get the chance to play has been pretty important. Having even, like all 43-44 of us sort of over the game plan and how we want to play has been pretty big for us and set us up well,” the lock said. “I mean, our first game against the Stormers is probably so good for us in terms of our discipline and the better on set piece. So there’s been some steady improvement. “It’s going to be a big step up. There are two great rugby nations going head to head here, and very proud supporters backing both teams. “So just to be part of it is pretty exciting, and the challenge coming up against the Springboks is maybe number one in the world, number one for a reason. We’re not far off, and we need to test ourselves and see where we’re at.” Despite not being pushed to the 80th minute in any of the three midweek tour matches, Tuipulotu is confident the All Blacks have what it takes to close out a game in the pressure-cooker environment of Ellis Park. “Yeah, a few of the games [against the Springboks] sort of go to 80 plus minutes, and those last two, 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 sort of get a winning try. So a lot of those come down to those sort of mental decisions in the last few minutes where the game’s on the line, but certainly around set piece, physical.” Your home for rugby. Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now! Follow your favourite teams, tournaments and players, and get personalised news and Match Centre notifications direct to your device. From live rugby streams and upcoming fixtures to breaking news, in-depth analysis and live scores, RugbyPass has everything you need to stay connected to the game.