South Africa’s rugby coach Jake White said on his return from Argentina on Monday morning that a committee of conditioning experts will be appointed to look into the overall capacity of the Springbok rugby team.
White and his weary squad arrived in Cape Town after their annual end-of-season tour was concluded on Saturday when the South Africans defeated an under-strength Pumas side 39-7 in Buenos Aires.
The feelings of the squad were appropriately summed up White, moments after arriving: ”I can’t wait to get into normal clothes.”
Apart from family and friends there were only a handful of fans to meet the team.
White said the 2004 season had ended with a good base for Springbok rugby to work from.
”The confidence is good and there should be continuity in selection. We must ensure that the players know what the expectations are.
”We will have a forum of conditioning coaches and they will make a presentation to national rugby. Every detail, right down to training systems will be worked out and then we need everyone to buy into it,” said White.
High on White’s agenda of immediate tasks will be to meet with Super 12 coaches to discuss the workload of Springbok squad players.
”I have already chatted with [Gert, Stormers’ coach] Smal to find out how he plans to use the players.”
”We want to see results and that means more rest for national team players. If that happens the squad’s players will grow stronger and fitter.”
White said that the huge number of assignments scheduled for 2005 would make it a difficult year.
”I don’t think a team can ask for a more difficult season. We will have to see who plays Super 12 as well. Other teams will want to beat us with every outing.” – Sapa