Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen faces All Black veteran Justin Marshall tomorrow night with criticism ringing in his ears.
The great halfback wins his 88th test cap when the Springboks meet New Zealand in the sudden death World Cup quarter-finals.
Thirty-year-old Marshall will be playing his 69th test.
Van der Westhuizen, 32,told the South African website news24.com that he was fed up with criticism of his play from former players. And he said Marshall copped the same treatment.
"Marshall and I are in the same boat. He told me so. Fortunately we know what the modern game is all about."
Both van der Westhuizen and Marshall admitted this week that they were not exactly "family friends". However, the South African halfback said they were "the same type of person".
"We're both very competitive. That's evident when we're on the field. And that's how we spur each other on.
"I think the word that describes our relationship best is 'respect'."
The game will be van der Westhuizen's last against the All Blacks. After a broken leg, torn groin, three knee reconstructions and 16 broken noses, he admits to one regret - that he won't be around for much more punishment.
