The Springboks wrapped up their Nations Championship training camp in Johannesburg on Thursday, and Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was satisfied that the necessary building blocks were in place as the squad prepares to switch into full Test mode before next week’s competition opener against England at Ellis Park.
The Junior Springboks touched down in Tbilisi after a demanding long-haul journey from Cape Town via Istanbul, with newly appointed SA U20 captain Siphosethu Mnebelele leading the squad into the next phase of their Junior World Championship campaign.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed utmost respect for England as the Boks kicked off their preparations for the inaugural Nations Championship – that kicks off next weekend in Johannesburg – and spoke highly of their travelling squad and the threat they posed in the opening game.
Siphosethu Mnebelele has been confirmed as the Junior Springbok captain for the forthcoming Junior World Championship in Georgia, replacing regular skipper Riley Norton, who has been named in Springbok squad for the Nations Championship.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Saturday evening named a 46-man squad featuring six uncapped players and a host of returning Vodacom Bulls players for the inaugural Nations Championship, which kicks off against England in Johannesburg on Saturday, 4 July.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick were pleased with their teams’ victories as they registered impressive victories at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, but said there was hard work ahead to reach their desired standards before the Nations Championship kicks off in two weeks.
A phenomenal R2.5 million (£108,000) was raised in a single evening to support the South African community initiatives of the Kolisi Foundation and the Good Work Foundation.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his SA ‘A’ counterpart Vincent Tshituka braced themselves for challenging encounters as the international seasons kicks off on Saturday with a thrilling double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, saying both teams will bring a fighting spirit.
Leinster successfully defended their Vodacom United Rugby Championship title with a deserved 36-7 victory (half-time 22-0) over an uncharacteristic hapless Vodacom Bulls side in the Grand Final at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday evening.
TJ Perenara will captain a star-studded Barbarian side to take on the Springboks in the YesPlay Cup on Saturday afternoon.