![Ellis Park Is The Home Of The Springboks, Says Marvin Orie](https://surgezirc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/images-81.png)
Marvin Orie, despite being just two years old during the momentous 1995 Rugby World Cup final at Ellis Park, understands the historical significance of the nation-building match between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
Having spent four years playing for the Lions, Orie knows Ellis Park like the back of his hand and believes there is something extraordinary about the atmosphere of a packed stadium.
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“The special thing about this stadium is what happened in the World Cup in 1995. What that did for not only rugby in South Africa but for the country itself is incredible,” Orie expressed ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.
“For me, Ellis Park is the true home of the Springboks. Most countries have a primary stadium where their national team plays most of its matches. In South Africa, we are blessed with many excellent stadiums, but Ellis Park always exudes the feeling of being the heartland of our national team.”
“The high altitude poses a significant challenge for the opposition, and fortunately, we have been training up on the Highveld for a while now, so we intend to capitalize on that advantage come Saturday.”
Orie finds himself in a position of proving his worth in this final fixture on home soil for the Boks. With fierce competition in the lock position, the squad will be trimmed to 33 players on August 8.
“Competition within the team can only be beneficial. Several of our players have already amassed over 50 Test caps, and JK (Jean Kleyn) has represented the national side in Ireland,” Orie explained.
“We push each other every day during training. While the competition for many positions is intense, my focus remains on contributing to the team’s improvement. This is my objective for the weekend.”
In the second row, Orie will be teaming up with Eben Etzebeth, who is set to earn his 112th Bok cap, surpassing John Smit’s tally of 111 and becoming the fourth most-capped Springbok.
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“I draw immense inspiration from someone like Eben and his long-standing contributions to South African rugby, he serves as a great inspiration for all of us, evident from his captaincy against the All Blacks.”
“His composure benefits me greatly. While some might perceive him as not always calm during skirmishes, he maintains remarkable composure in other aspects. It comes with experience, having played numerous matches, and that energy influences everyone around him.” Marvin Orie acknowledged.
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