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.

After the second alignment camp in Cape Town this week came to an end on Friday afternoon, Erasmus provided an update on the team’s development.

The two-day camp included a number of boardroom sessions and an optional exercise session. A number of players who were situated abroad participated virtually in the boardroom sessions.

Verdict on Springboks’ newbies

In order for the players to become acquainted with the new frameworks, they also took part in a number of online training sessions.

Ntokozo Makhaza, a Varsity Cup star who has never played professional rugby, was called up to the alignment camp by Erasmus, surprising many. He also included Northampton Saints star Juarno Augustus, who watched virtually from England, and Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka.

As far as the Springboks boss is concerned, this experience will help them advance in their jobs.

“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.”

Excitement building

After he and his assistant coaches gave a number of presentations over the course of the two days, the Bok manager also expressed the players’ excitement.

“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.”

In the next weeks, Erasmus will select his team for the June training camp, where they will start getting ready for the Barbarians game, the Test matches against Georgia and Italy, the Rugby Championship, and the customary year-end tour.