The Springboks are gearing up for a significant Test series against Ireland in July, with coach Rassie Erasmus emphasizing the importance of facing the No. 2 ranked team.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has highlighted the current focus of the Springboks as they prepare for the home Test series against Ireland. Erasmus expressed satisfaction with the state of the Springbok player pool as they approach the start of the 2024 international campaign.
Springboks Focus on Ireland Tests
Erasmus has conducted alignment camps to assess the state of Springbok rugby during the break from Test matches. A second in-person alignment camp is set to begin today in Cape Town. However, the Springboks currently with the Sharks, who are in the United Kingdom for their Challenge Cup Final against Gloucester at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, will be exempt from this camp.
Erasmus noted that the group is progressing well and is ready to start more intensive preparations for the upcoming July internationals against Wales, Ireland, and Portugal.
“We are moving into a new cycle as a group with our first Test only a few weeks away, so it is vital that we start diving deeper into our on-field planning,” said Erasmus.
“In the first two camps, we presented our wider plans to the players and introduced new ideas from all the coaches, especially the new additions to the coaching team, Tony Brown, Jerry Flannery, and Jaco Peyer. We are now in a good position to start focusing on different areas of the game in more detail.”
A Huge Season for the Springboks
Erasmus outlined the upcoming season for the Springboks, stressing the importance of the Rugby Championship campaign. The Springboks have not won a Rugby Championship between their 2019 and 2023 World Cup victories, with the All Blacks dominating the competition.
“With our first Test around the corner, it will be great to have everyone together to ensure that the coaches and players are 100% aligned in terms of what we want to achieve and how we plan to approach the season,” Erasmus added.
“We have a challenging year ahead. The Test against Wales falls outside of the international window, followed by two Tests against Ireland, the second-ranked team in the world, and our first Test against Portugal in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
“We then move on to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, starting with back-to-back away Tests against Australia, followed by two Tests against New Zealand in South Africa, and two matches against Argentina, both away and at home.
“Our Castle Lager Outgoing Tour will also be a thorough test with matches against Scotland, England, and Wales lined up. The sooner we are aligned as a group, the better.”
