The Springbok team kicked off their preparations for the Vodacom Tri-Nations home leg in Johannesburg on Monday in high spirits, as they took the field to do light training exercises at Randburg’s St Stithians School.
Coach Jake White said during the open session his charges are looking forward to the next half of the series. He said there are no serious injury concerns.
Players requiring further medical investigation and management are Danie Rossouw (hamstring injury sustained during the Brisbane Test against Australia) and Andre Pretorius (shin injury from the Golden Lions-Vodacom Blue Bulls game on Saturday).
Meanwhile, the Boks got some cheerful support from members of a visiting French team, who sought autographs of their heroes and interacted with the national team.
Members of the Montpellier Herault Rugby Club, from the south of France, will be hosting the Springboks during part of their Rugby World Cup campaign next year.
Under the leadership of former University of Stellenbosch and University of Cape Town student Dr Colin Moore, who is now based in France, the group said they are looking forward to helping the team when they visit Europe.
”We will do everything we can to help them enjoy their time in France,” said Moore, who speaks fluent French, English and Afrikaans. ”We love the Springboks.”
The under-17 team Moore is leading played Western Province, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Blue Bulls, Primrose and Brandwag during their second South African tour this month. ”We want to set up good relations, especially with Western Province and the Springboks.” — Sapa