Rhule: Rugby Championship is a different beast

The Springboks, who get their preparations underway with a training camp in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday, will face Argentina in their opening game in this year's Rugby Championship 

Last year the Boks narrowly beat Argentina 30-23 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, before going down 24-26 a week later in Salta against the same opponents.

Springbok wing Raymond Rhule, speaking ahead of South Africa's opening game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium next week, told rugby365 that the Rugby Championship is a totally different ball game.

"We all know it's a different beast, the Championship," said Rhule, who added that the Springboks are ready to make the step-up and challenge the likes of Argentina, Australia and the All Blacks over the next few weeks.

"The one thing we did want to do in June was just to focus on the games and now that those games are behind us we take confidence from that, but we do obviously know it's a different beast [Rugby Championship].

"We know that to be the best team in the world it has to be step by step and I think the guys are ready to make that step. We train hard, we rest well, we do everything in order to get the best out of each other. 

"I think we in a very good space as a team and I can't wait for that first game, to see where we are after the French series. But I do think we are in a good space," commented Rhule.

By Josh Isaacson

@isaacson_j

@rugby365com