Tamati Williams wary of South African scrum power

All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams stated that they will be wary of the scrum power of the Springboks as the two teams lock horns with each other in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday.

New Zealand defeated Ireland in the quarter-final and followed with a thumping win over Argentina in the semi-final as they aim for the fourth title but South Africa like the All Blacks have experienced the triumph three times already including a successful 2019 World Cup in Japan.

"They are great scrummagers, as we all know. If I get the opportunity to be out there on Saturday, I'll be up for the challenge.

"But it all starts with the preparation, and we'll have a closer look at how we can counter that.

"They are massive, and clinical. If you give them a chance they all take it. For us, it is all about being clean.

"You have to match the physicality. Everyone knows what they are going to bring. We had a good win against them [in Auckland] and we got a hiding against them [at Twickenham] as well."

Meanwhile, hooker Samison Taukei'aho said he is upbeat about facing the Springboks if he is selected in the matchday squad. He also felt the experience of working with Dane Coles and Codie Taylor was a great learning experience.

"They are big men and they love confrontation. I like to base my game around that, so I am really excited about it."

"I first met him in 2021 and I clicked with Colesy. I was a bit too cheeky to him, but he took me under his wing, Codie as well. I am in a lucky spot coming in with two world-class hookers and learning from them."