Springbok coach Jake White said on Monday that the Luke Watson issue had had no influence on the Springbok squad, who are preparing for the first Test against England in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
”It’s not a question as to how Luke Watson fits in, it’s more important that we’re coming out of a positive Super 14 and all that energy is focused there now,” said White.
Summing-up the feeling within the squad, White said the talk and body language from the players in the squad is that of a positive vibe.
”The whole energy level for me is based on England; there is a World Cup, and there has been a lot of work put in by the management staff.”
The inclusion of the Western Province and Stormers captain nearly overshadowed the South African Super 14 final the past weekend.
White said he did not think anybody is focusing on ”just one person” as the focus is not only England in the coming weekend, but the World Cup.
Whites’ reduced group of 38 Springboks will have their first practice on Monday at 3pm in Bloemfontein.
Earlier, White said the Bulls players who arrived late on Sunday were doing conditioning tests on Monday morning. — Sapa