Rassie Erasmus and Pieter-Steph du Toit said the Springboks, fresh off their Rugby Championship title win, have set their sights on an unbeaten end-of-year tour to the UK.
Following a dominant victory over Argentina on Saturday in Nelspruit, where South Africa scored seven tries, the Boks added yet another trophy to their growing collection, which includes the 2023 Rugby World Cup, 2021 British & Irish Lions series, and the Mandela and Freedom Cups.
Looking ahead to the November tour, Erasmus emphasised the need for adaptability. The Boks will face Scotland at Murrayfield on 10 November, followed by a clash with England at Twickenham, and a final Test against Wales. He highlighted the importance of adjusting their gameplan to suit the conditions.
“We’ll pull back a little bit, something we’ve done in the Rugby World Cup finals and British & Irish Lions games,” Erasmus said. “We’re a team who can pull it back and go back to a more traditional style, but we’re getting there with the exciting brand too.”
Erasmus also praised his senior players for their leadership, particularly in guiding mercurial talents like Manie Libbok. “When you get to these crunch games, it’s the older heads that sometimes pull it through,” he noted.
Du Toit, who delivered another Man of the Match performance in the victory over Argentina, stressed the importance of teamwork.
“It remains a team sport. If the team is not doing well, the individuals will not be doing well either. For me, the award is a bonus on a day when our goal was to win the Rugby Championship,” he said.
The back-row bruiser also expressed his satisfaction with his evolving role as a ball-carrier in the wider channels, a tactic that has proven effective for the Boks this season. “I really enjoy it. I actually always thought that was how I would see myself playing,” he said.
Despite their success, Du Toit emphasised the need for consistency and focus as the team prepares for their November tour. “We would like to finish the season on a high. We have the opportunity to continue to grow with the core of the squad.”
With their sights now firmly set on reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the global rankings, the Springboks are determined to maintain their winning momentum. As Du Toit put it, “We will do everything in our power to ride the wave as long as possible.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
The post Boks riding the wave to finish 2024 on top appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
