Boks are gearing up for ‘Ireland mode’ as test week approaches

Download Logo
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and his team concluded their training camp in Pretoria on Friday as they geared up for ‘Irish mode’ in preparation for the opening Test of the Castle Lager Incoming Series against their northern hemisphere rivals next Saturday.

Erasmus was pleased with the structures that had been put in place as the squad prepared to move into full Test match mode next week ahead of the first of two Tests against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld. The second Test is a week later at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

“We had a good and productive week of training despite our flight from London to South Africa being canceled on Sunday evening. It was pleasing to see the players who joined us this week get back into testing mode and get stuck into training.” said Erasmus.

“Some players had been in our line-up for a while, which certainly helped. The new players also didn’t need time to get used to the systems and we are happy with the way they have adapted.”

The Springboks returned to South Africa on Tuesday, where they were joined by the rest of their teammates who had been named in Erasmus’ 39-man squad. They got straight to work with their first training session of the week. They had two more training sessions on Wednesday and finished the week with their final field training on Friday morning.

They will return home this weekend to spend time with their families and will reunite in the city’s capital on Sunday.

“I have to give credit to our head of high performance and operations team for their hard work in ensuring the week went as smoothly as possible, despite arriving in SA a day later than expected,” said Erasmus. “I believe we are in the right frame of mind for the challenge ahead against the world number two.

“We have had the opportunity this week to analyze what we did well against Wales and what areas we need to put more emphasis on for the Irish tests. We were very pleased with the professional way in which the players implemented the change in mentality for the Castle Lager Incoming Series.

“There is huge excitement in the group for the challenge ahead and that was evident both on and off the pitch this week.

“Everyone knows we need a big step forward next week but we are happy with the momentum we have built up by beating Wales and getting international game time.

“Obviously with the new members in our coaching staff, the players stationed abroad and new recruits will have some work to do to ensure the whole group is fully aligned with our new structures, but this week has been a good begin that process.”

Erasmus announces his team for the match against Ireland on Tuesday.

Published by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
[email protected]

The Jongh Borchardt
Communication Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
[email protected]

Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
[email protected]

Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
[email protected]

Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
[email protected]

JJ Harmse
Media Manager for Sevens and Women’s Rugby
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
[email protected]