Africa-Press – South-Africa. Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is a happy camper after opening week of their preparation camp for the upcoming series against Wales.
The 17 players in camp completed their on-field sessions in Pretoria on Friday before a short break for the weekend.
Players from the Bulls and Stormers were not invited as those two outfits are involved in the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-finals.
According to a statement from SA Rugby, the week comprised of a few training and gym sessions, as well as team and coaches’ meetings off the field.
Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and flyhalf Johan Goosen focused on rehabilitation from their injuries, SA Rugby noted.
The players will have the weekend off and will reassemble on Sunday for the second week of the preparation camp.
“Our focus was on the fundamental skills this week as we had a limited number of players in Pretoria, but we are satisfied with the foundation laid and we are excited about the next few weeks after seeing the players’ enthusiasm and energy levels on the field,” said Nienaber.
“We obviously had to manage some of the players’ workload, especially the Sharks players following their exit from the URC last weekend, but this was part our planning from the outset, and we believe the strides made this week will be beneficial as we continue our preparations with three weeks to go before our opening Test against Wales.”
Nienaber says they are prepared for all possible scenarios regarding player availability next week depending on the Stormers and Bulls’ progress in the URC competition.
“We are expecting the size of our training squad to grow in the next few weeks, and we are ready for any eventuality,” said Nienaber.
“We obviously want our South African teams to perform well and advance to the URC final, and nothing substitutes game time and pressure like playoff rugby, especially in such a tough competition.
“At the same time, every training session we have with the available players will benefit us with an eye on the Incoming Series, so we will take each scenario as it plays out while ensuring that we maintain the highest possible standards so that we are as prepared as possible for the international season.”
Nienaber will name a squad of close to 42 players for the international season.
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