Stick backs returning Boks but warns Argentina are 'very dangerous'
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the return of several senior players has given the squad a major boost but insists there will be no let-up in the team’s standards when they face Argentina in Buenos Aires.
With Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu among those returning from injury, Stick believes the experience they bring is invaluable – particularly with the Springboks building towards their upcoming series against New Zealand.
“It’s good to have these guys back, especially if you look at the experience we’ve got from them, with Siya, Eben and a guy like Sacha also coming back from injury,” Stick said.
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‘I feel good. I’m excited’: Kolisi ready for Springbok comebackhttps://t.co/Tiyxs3G3HE
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Importantly, Stick pointed out that most of the returning players have remained involved in the Springbok environment throughout their rehabilitation and conditioning programmes.
“The only guys that joined us now, probably in the past two weeks, were Sacha and Krappie [Morne van den Berg]. Otherwise, the rest of the guys have also been helping the youngsters.”
Stick singled out Etzebeth for particular praise, saying the veteran lock’s conditioning was never a concern despite his recent injury setback.
“He doesn’t get unfit. We know he came with the concussion stuff that he had, but when it comes to fitness, he’s always super fit. He looks after himself and he’s a very professional player.”
Kolisi has also remained closely involved with the squad, even while recovering from his hamstring injury.
“With Siya, he’s been part of our camp, even through those dark days when we started in June with the conditioning camp. He went through all that,” Stick explained.
“He was just unlucky with the hamstring before one of the games that we were supposed to play, where it was a bit stiff. So, when it comes to conditioning with them, I don’t think it’s something we’re worried about.”
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Feinberg-Mngomezulu, meanwhile, has made an immediate impression since returning.
“With Sacha, it feels like he never even left the way he’s training, the way he brings massive energy to our squad,” Stick said.
The Springboks are also refusing to buy into the suggestion that Argentina are weakened by the absence of several European-based players.
The Springboks are on an 11-Test winning streak. They have also won their last three matches against Argentina and 11 of their last 12 meetings.
However, Stick stressed that South Africa’s preparation remains the same regardless of the opposition.
“We’ll never disrespect anyone. We always prepare the same way, even if you’re playing against Australia or Georgia or New Zealand,” he said.
He also praised Argentina for giving opportunities to younger players, pointing out that South Africa themselves regularly rotate their squad.
“Those players that are playing for Argentina tomorrow, they deserve their opportunity. We can’t always rely on the same 23.”
Despite the changes to the Los Pumas squad, Stick believes Contepomi’s team still has plenty of experience and dangerous players, including Santiago Carreras, Rodrigo Isgró and captain Pablo Matera.
“We’ll never look down on anyone, and we have to make sure that we prepare very well for Argentina. They are a very, very dangerous side.”
