'It's back to reality' for Springboks

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says his squad has put last year’s success firmly behind them as they get ready for their first showdown of 2024.

The Springboks touched down in London on Thursday fresh and ready to get down to business against Wales on Saturday, and with the time zone being similar to South Africa, they immediately slotted back into their weekly routine.

With their usual Test match preparation wrapped up in South Africa before the team’s departure Wednesday, Stick said they would have a full rest day on Thursday to allow the players to rest and switch fully into match mode.

“We did all the preparation we had to do back in South Africa, and we arrived in the UK this morning and will have a full day off as we usually do in a Test week,” said Stick.

“With the team travelling overnight the guys could sleep well, and the bonus for us is that there is only a one-hour time difference, which means we can stick to our routine going into Saturday’s game.

“The players will relax a little today [Thursday] and then we have our captains run tomorrow [Friday], and hopefully things go well on Saturday.”

Stick was excited to be in London and back in full-out Test match mode, saying: “It’s back to reality being in London. What we achieved last year is history, and now it’s time to build something new.

“There are a few youngsters in our team that will get an opportunity alongside some of the more experienced players, so it’s going to be an exciting game.

“Wales will also be eager to play against the World Champions, so we know it’s going to be a tough game, and that’s exactly what we need to kickstart the season.”