New Springbok prop Tendai 'Beast' Mtwarira was elated over his debut Test try in Saturday's 26-0 victory over Italy at Newlands in Cape Town.

"When Bryan (Habana) gave me the ball I couldn't believe it," he said. "I was in the hole and I just saw the tryline. The guys were teasing me that I should have gone all the way and put the ball down between the poles, but I just wanted to score the try as soon as possible and I went down in the corner. It was a great feeling".

Mtwarira admitted that Test match rugby was a step up from what he had experienced in the Super 14 and that being part of the Bok set-up was a great learning experience.

"Super 14 has a lot of intensity, while Test match rugby has more the collisions and is more physical. It’s definitely a step up from Super 14".

The 'Beast' said that the Springbok pack had combined well as a unit against the Italians and were under no illusions what to expect from New Zealand in their opening Tri-Nation Test on 5 July.

"New Zealand have got a strong pack and their backline has a lot of pace. It's obviously going to be a big challenge for us and we know exactly what to expect.

"We felt comfortable in the scrums (against Italy). Obviously we wanted to attack their scrum but they were quite solid on their ball. As a pack we definitely want to improve but a good platform has been set.

"We did well in the drives today (Saturday), which was one area we really worked hard on during the week. That was a confidence booster for us and we are definitely looking forward to next challenge".

Mtwarira, who at one stage of the Italy Test packed down with his old school mate Brian Mujati, said it was a very humbling experience when the crowd chanted his name.

"For me it’s very humbling to hear the crowd shout my name. The guys are always teasing me about it…(laughs) but it’s awesome".

He added that he relished the challenge of filling the void left by Bok legend Os Du Randt.

"Big Os is a legend in Springbok rugby and I definitely look up to him a lot. I met him in Bloemfontein and he said to me 'go for it'.

"I know I have to put my body on the line and carry on what he left behind," Mtwarira said.

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