Springboks Begin Preparations for Crucial Rugby Championship Clash
- Springboks returned to camp in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of a decisive Rugby Championship clash with Argentina in Durban
- Tight title race with all four teams still in contention, as just two points separate first and fourth place.
- Coach Rassie Erasmus called for focus and intensity, targeting strong performances in the final two rounds
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The Springboks have returned to camp in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of a defining Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban next weekend.
With the title race finely balanced, every point will be crucial. Fresh from their emphatic 43-10 win over the All Blacks in Wellington on 13 September, the Boks now turn their focus to the Pumas in Durban on 27 September before closing out the tournament in London on 4 October.
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With just two rounds remaining, the tournament is wide open. Australia lead the table with 11 points, while South Africa and New Zealand sit close behind on 10, and Argentina remain in contention on 9.
Australia: 11 points
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South Africa: 10 points
New Zealand: 10 points
Argentina: 9 points
The margins are so fine that any of the four nations could still claim the trophy.
Erasmus demands focus and intensity
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted the coming two Tests against Argentina will be pivotal, not just for the title defence but also as the team’s final fixtures on home soil this year.
“It’s great to be back in camp and to see the excitement and enthusiasm among the players,” Erasmus said.
“Argentina are a quality side with a powerful pack and dangerous playmakers. We know this will be a massive challenge.”
The squad wasted no time after a brief break with their families. Thursday saw an early morning gym session followed by an afternoon field run, with more double sessions scheduled before a full switch into Test match mode on Monday.
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Bonus points could prove vital
With Australia and New Zealand expected to push hard in the closing rounds, Erasmus has hinted that South Africa may need more than just victories to secure the title. Bonus-point wins are being targeted, though he acknowledged the difficulty of outscoring a stubborn Pumas side.
“The players are fresh and charged up. We’ll leave no stone unturned in preparing for what we know will be an immense battle,” Erasmus added.
Erasmus confirmed that several key players are unavailable due to injuries. Among them are Lood de Jager (lock), Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), and Aphelele Fassi (fullback), all of whom were injured during the New Zealand tour.
Last home Test of the year
The clash in Durban carries extra significance for the Springboks. Not only is it crucial to the Rugby Championship race, but it also marks their final match in South Africa this year.
“This match is significant in many ways,” Erasmus explained.
It’s about staying in the title race, but also about thanking our supporters for their passion throughout the year.”
The Boks will then close out the tournament in Argentina on 4 October, while their rivals Australia and New Zealand face off in a high-stakes finale.
Rassie Erasmus shrugs off injury setbacks
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus praised South Africa’s player depth despite being dealt a series of injury blows.
The Boks emerged from their resounding win over New Zealand in Wellington with several casualties, including Aphelele Fassi, Lood de Jager, and Jean-Luc du Preez.
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Source: Briefly News
