It would be 'really disappointing' if Boks can't face All Blacks

It would be ‘really disappointing’ for the World Champion Springboks if officials were unable to salvage the Rugby Championships.

The tournament’s fixtures were thrown into disarray over the weekend when New Zealand pulled out of an away game against Australia, scheduled for Perth this coming Saturday (August 28), because of changes in COVID-19 restrictions.

New Zealand has also said the country cannot host either Argentina or South Africa, both of whom were due to play in Aotearoa twice.

South Africa has already offered to host the tournament and while discussions are ongoing, Australia, France and England have been listed as alternatives.

The Springboks will remain in Port Elizabeth – following their 29-10 win over Argentina at the weekend – until a decision is made on the resumption of the tournament.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has already said they were “ready to play anywhere”.

Am, 27, echoed similar sentiments.

He pointed out that having been starved of game time since winning the World Cup in 2019, as a result of COVID-19 enforced restrictions, and are just happy to play in the Green and Gold again.

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“As a team, we picked up from where we left off at the World Cup,” Am told a virtual media briefing – after the Boks moved to the top of the Rugby Championship standings with the win over Los Pumas at the weekend.

“It would be really disappointing if we didn’t get the opportunity to continue,” the World Cup-winning centre said of the uncertainty surrounding the tournament.

“It’s not just about playing against New Zealand.

“We’re looking forward to each and every Test, representing our country.

“It would be really disappointing if the competition didn’t continue,” Am added.

* Meanwhile Nienaber said the Boks are preparing for several scenarios.

“We would like to play the Rugby Championship in South Africa,” the coach said, adding: “We have proven that we can do it.

“But we’ll play anywhere we have to.

“We’ve got six scenarios ready and when the decision is made, we’ll put one of them into action.”

“It would be good for our country,” said Nienaber.

“We just came through a British and Irish Lions series.

“South Africa showed that in a pandemic they can host a tournament that is the next biggest thing to a World Cup.

“South Africa is ready. We’ve got the protocols in place and we’ve got everything lined up.”

@rugby365com