The Springboks will prepare a little differently this week for Sunday’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
The Boks landed in Edinburgh on Sunday after a week-long training camp on Jersey, a Channel Island between England and France. Normally, their preparations begin on Monday, but coach Rassie Erasmus has given the players the day off before beginning their Test week on Tuesday.
The aim for this is to prepare the Springboks for an unusual Sunday Test (6.10pm kickoff). The last time South Africa played on a Sunday was in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals against France. Earlier in the competition, they also played Scotland on a Sunday.
The Springboks usually make their team announcement on Tuesdays, although it could potentially be shifted to Wednesdays or Thursdays.
The Sunday kickoff will allow Scotland one additional day to recover from their 57-17 win over Fiji on Saturday. However, the Boks will now have one less day to prepare for their encounter against England next Saturday, before wrapping off their tour with a test against Wales on Saturday, November 23.
However, the Boks are eager to get back into match mode after a week of intense work in Jersey, where they had two practices per day for the most part.
— Springboks (@Springboks). November 3, 2024
“We had a good training week in Jersey,” tighthead prop Wilco Louw stated.“It offered us a great opportunity to align as a squad after everyone returned from their franchises and clubs, so we’re really excited about the week ahead here in Scotland.”
Bulls’ prop Louw says the team’s week has helped everyone understand their roles moving ahead. Erasmus would have probably already decided who will play when, as he is expected to offer minutes to the majority of the team over the next three weeks.
“We’re definitely where we want to be going to into the tour after having a chance to get on the same page and focus on the match against Scotland next week,” according to Louw.
“The last week was difficult, but beneficial, and we’re in a good place. Everyone understands what our goals are, which is vital given the next game against Scotland.
“They kept the team busy in the Rugby World Cup pool match last year, so we know it’s going to be challenging, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Louw, who has 14 caps, is back with the Springboks for the first time since 2021. He missed out on the last two World Cup victories due to the superiority of the Bok tightheads.
Following Frans Malherbe’s ankle injury, he is expected to play at least one Test match in the United Kingdom.
“It’s amazing – most of these players have won two World Cups, so it’s an absolute privilege being back here,” added the England captain.
“With so much experience in the group, it’s great to be on the field with all these legends. “Hopefully, we’ll have another good week of preparation in Scotland before the Test match.”
@JohnGoliath82
Leave a Reply