Boks start preparations for 'significant ' match
UPDATE: The Springboks kicked off their preparations for the first of two crucial Tests, against Argentina in Durban next week, on a strong note.
Just two rounds are remaining in a very congested Rugby Championship race, with Australia (first place on 11) just two points ahead of Argentina in fourth. South Africa and New Zealand are both on 10 points.
The Boks assembled in camp in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday and wasted no time getting straight back to business after a few days with their families.
They started the day off with an early morning spinning and gym session on Fridsay, followed by an afternoon training session.
They will return to the gym and field on Saturday, before switching back into full Test match mode on Monday for the battle that will be hosted at Kings Park next Saturday.
While the Springboks and Pumas will battle it out in the last leg of the Southern Hemisphere showpiece, the All Blacks will take on the Wallabies for the Bledisloe Cup.
Given how tight the standings are, any team could snatch the title, which the Springboks won last season for the first time since 2019.
“It’s great to be back in camp and to see the excitement and enthusiasm among the players,” Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said.
“We are keen to get back into the swing of things after a few days off to recover from the trip back from New Zealand.
“We have two massive encounters ahead against a psyched-up Argentinean team, who, just like every other side in the competition, believes they can win the trophy.
“The extra two training days [this week] were vital for us.
“The players are fresh and charged up for the challenge ahead.
“That excites us because we are going to give everything to build on our last result and give ourselves the best possible chance to win the title.”
Erasmus added: “The players jumped straight back into action, and our focus on Friday and Saturday is to improve the areas of our game we would like to after reviewing the last match against the All Blacks, as well as our fundamentals, which will be critical against a well-rounded and Pumas outfit.
“They have a powerful pack and classy playmakers in their backline, so we need to be sharp at training and ensure that we are ready mentally and physically when we approach game day next week.”
Erasmus made no secret of the fact that it would be an immense battle in Durban.
However, he said they were pleased to be back on local soil and hoped they could make the most of the opportunity to make their supporters and the country proud in what would mark their last game of the year in South Africa.
“This match is significant in many ways,” said Erasmus.
“It’s not only essential to get a good result to stay in the running to defend our title, but it’s also our last home game of the year, and we want to thank our fans for their passionate support throughout the year.
“That said, we are under no illusions that it’s going to take a top-class performance to achieve our goal in this match, but we will leave no stone unturned in trying to achieve that.”
