After the conclusion of the July Incoming Series, the Springbok coaches changed some of their preparation plans and called the squad in for an extra week of training and conditioning work.
It was perhaps an indication that Rassie Erasmus and his assistants weren’t entirely satisfied with what they had seen during the start of the season, and by all accounts, they have really ramped up the intensity during the latest training sessions.
Jesse Kriel, renowned as one of the fittest and most well-conditioned Springboks in the team, highlighted just how much focus has been placed on bringing a Test match feel to practice sessions.
“We have very high standards in this environment and there is also good competition in each position, so we spent the last few weeks working on our conditioning and match detail, and we are confident about our level of our preparation going into the game,” said Kriel.
“For us it’s about how you pitch up at training every day, and we are excited about the match.”
Springbok selection packed with pace
With Grant Williams and Manie Libbok paired at halfback, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van de Merwe and Aphelele Fassi in the back three, there is a real sense that the Springboks will be looking to deploy a high-paced attack.
“We weren’t happy with our effort in the first Test against Italy, and we also conceded maul tries against Italy and Georgia,” assistant coach Jerry Flannery said.
“We’ve invested time into our maul defence. Across the four games – including the Barbarians – we conceded 40 points, but performances varied.
“We’ve also tried to replicate Australia’s intensity in training.”
The match kicks off at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
What do you expect from these three players this weekend?
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