By Jason Humphries
DURBAN, JUNE 8 – Whether South Africa can hit the ground
running after a limited build up is the big unknown ahead of the
first test against England in Durban on Saturday.
The Springboks will be playing their first match under new
coach Heyneke Meyer and after just four training sessions
together, they meet an England team who surprised in finishing
second in this year’s Six Nations.
Some of South Africa’s lack of preparation will be off-set
by a series of training camps Meyer conducted with the country’s
Super Rugby franchises in recent weeks and new captain Jean De
Villiers was quick to play down any suggestions his team would
be underprepared.
“The mood in the camp is good,” De Villiers told a news
conference on Friday.
“We have had a really good week of preparation.
“The camps that Heyneke had during the year with the
franchises have really worked and we are reaping the rewards
now.”
Much has been made of the time the Springboks have been
together before the series with most of the players involved
with their franchises last weekend.
But England were not buying any perception South Africa
could be caught short.
Continued…
