Mostert points out 'work-ons' for Springboks
REACTION: Springboks lock Franco Mostert admitted there are a couple of kinks to iron out before the World Cup Champs can pose a real threat to the British and Irish Lions.
Mostert startet at lock during Springboks’ 40-9 win over Georgia on Friday at Loftus Versfeld.
Playing for the first time since defeating England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Japan, the Springboks were slow out of the blocks and trailed by four points after 25 minutes.
But a yellow card proved costly for the visitors, who conceded two tries when down to 14 men, and were upstaged in the second half as the class of the hosts told in a match staged behind closed doors.
South Africa will face Georgia next Friday, in Johannesburg, before the much-anticipated three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions from July 24.
#ICYMI: It was expected after a 20-month absence from the international game. #RSAvGEOhttps://t.co/pzEdP0eoSS
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 3, 2021
Speaking to reporters during the post-match briefing Mostert was happy with the team’s effort and the victory.
However, he admitted it would take time to retain the cohesion that earned them the World Cup trophy in Japan in 2019.
“Personally, I think it is going to take a while [to get that level],” said Mostert.
“But I have to take my hat off to the forwards. I think they really did the job and I’m happy with our first match.
“We have a lot to work on [before the Lions Series] but fortunaly we have another match against Georgia next week.”
#ICYMI: One of the stars suffered a rib injury.https://t.co/sf8J2Pj1SM
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 3, 2021
Commenting on the areas they need to improve, the lock said: “[Georgia] were solid in the first 30 minutes and their defence was very good, so I think we have to work on things such as our carries and tackle technique.
“But luckily we have time to prepare,”
He added: “We haven’t been together in more than a year, and the new guys stepped up and they are all in the system now, so everyone is on the same page.
“We have another test to go next week and hopefully we can improve a lot.”
@leezil07
@rugby365com
