Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber likened his team’s hard-fought 22-21 Castle Lager Rugby Championship victory over Argentina on Saturday to a typical Rugby World Cup arm wrestle.
Springbok captain Duane Vermeulen and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick stressed the importance of closing off the home leg of their 2023 season on a high note before the team enters their Rugby World Cup warm-up games and said a victory would be special for many reasons.
The Springbok squad will assemble in Pretoria to resume their preparations for their final Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 July, after a well-deserved two-day rest following their journey back from New Zealand.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and hooker Bongi Mbonambi made it clear on Friday that they expected a massive battle against the All Blacks at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday in the second round of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, but they said they were ready for the challenge.
Springbok lock Marvin Orie will join French Top 14 outfit Perpignan next season on a two-year deal.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named a group of 21 players to join their team-mates in New Zealand for next week’s second Castle Lager Rugby Championship outing against New Zealand in Auckland bringing the total number of players to 35.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Duane Vermeulen emphasised the importance of being at the top of their game as well as being adaptable when they line up against Australia in their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok was calm and collected this week despite facing one of the biggest tests in his career on Saturday when he earns his first start for the Springboks in their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was forced to make a late change to his team for their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Pretoria on Saturday with prop Steven Kitshoff replacing Ox Nche, who suffered an injury to his pectoral muscle on Tuesday.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber advised on Tuesday that prop Ox Nche had suffered an injury to his chest at training on Tuesday and was in doubt for Saturday’s opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.