Boks tick 'important' boxes ahead of Test season
SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok coaching staff were both satisfied and encouraged by the ongoing progress of the squad preparations ahead of the upcoming international season.
A large group of players completed the last of a series of alignment camps in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The Springboks are set to resume international duty with two Tests against Georgia in July, followed by the much-anticipated British and Irish Lions Series, which consists of three Test matches, before they participate in the 2021 Rugby Championship.
After the conclusion of the four-day Johannesburg alignment camp, Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber said: “This was our last closed alignment camp before we announce the Springbok squad, and I must say the coaching staff are happy with how things are progressing at the moment.
“We managed to tick another couple of important preparation boxes with the players.”
‘A lot of progress’
Players were not on the field during the Johannesburg camp. Instead, the focus was on technical and tactical matters.
“Previously, we gave players some specific items to work on, and it was good to get feedback and identify areas of improvement,” explained Nienaber.
“So, while we didn’t go onto the training field, I do feel we made a lot of progress in terms of our overall technical and tactical awareness. Of course, nothing beats on-field training and actually playing in Test matches.
“The training camps are now just around the corner and it’s therefore very pleasing to actually see the momentum in terms of our strategic planning and preparation for the international season.”
