Head coach Rassie Erasmus is pleased with how the new players have settled into the Springboks system as he looks ahead to the new international season.
Erasmus commented on the progress of the team following the conclusion of the second alignment camp in Cape Town this week, with proceedings wrapping up on Friday afternoon.
The two-day camp featured a series of boardroom sessions and an optional gym session, while a bunch of overseas-based players joined the boardroom sessions virtually.
Verdict on Springboks’ newbies
The players also participated in a series of virtual training sessions to familiarise themselves with the new structures.
Erasmus surprised many when naming his squad for the alignment camp with Varsity Cup star Ntokozo Makhaza called up despite not playing any professional rugby, while he also included Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka and Northampton Saints star Juarno Augustus, who tuned in virtually from England.
The Springboks boss believes that this experience would benefit them immensely to grow even further in their careers.
“They are all very talented players, and it was evident how proud they were to have this opportunity to rub shoulders with this group of players, some of whom have been with us since 2018, and to learn from them and the coaches,” Erasmus said.
“It was also fantastic to see how they interacted with the more experienced players and tried to learn from them, and the coaches in their respective departments.”
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Excitement building
The Bok boss also shared the excitement among the players after he and his assistant coaches made a series of presentations over the two days.
“We are fast approaching the international season, and although most of the players have big matches lined up in their respective competitions before we assemble at our training camp in June, we were pleased with what transpired at the first and second alignment camps, and we believe we are on the right track in terms of our preparations and planning for the season,” said Erasmus.
“The coaches have been working tirelessly to improve our structures to ensure that we can improve on our performances last season, and it was great to see how the players responded to the adaptations and changes we have made to our structures.
“We have said time and time again that we have to continue to evolve to remain a force at the top level of the game, and although we are under no illusions about the challenging season ahead, we are pleased with the progress we have been making off the field, and we are really looking forward to the season ahead.”
Erasmus will name his squad for the June training camp in the next few weeks, where they will begin their preparations for the Barbarians match, the Tests against Italy and Georgia, as well as the Rugby Championship, and the traditional end-of-the-year tour.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/springboks-on-the-right-track-as-rassie-erasmus-delivers-verdict-on-newbies-and-alignment-camps
