The Springboks have arrived in New Zealand and will start with preparations for their Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks next week with an hour long session in Wellington on Sunday morning.
After a lengthy flight to New Zealand from Johannesburg via Sydney, the bulk of the squad arrived just before midnight on Friday. Players
were given time off on Saturday after they completed a gym and flushing out session in a nearby city gymnasium.
The last of the players and management arrived late on Saturday evening but captain John Smit will join the squad early on Tuesday, having completed his club rugby commitments in France over the weekend.
Earlier on Saturday Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and vice-captain Victor Matfield addressed the New Zealand media for the first time at the Duxton hotel.
”We have tremendous respect for the All Blacks and what they have achieved during the past few years. It will be foolish of anyone to come to New Zealand and claim that the All Blacks are there for the taking as many would suggest,” said De Villiers.
He added, ”the Vodacom Tri-Nations is an extremely tough competition and even more so when you play the All Blacks in consecutive Tests in New Zealand.”
De Villiers said although injured All Black captain Richie McCaw will be missed, the All Blacks still have a strong side.
”Any team will miss a player of his leadership quality and tremendous work rate. Sure, he will be missed by his team, but such is the depth and strength of their players they will no doubt select a very capable replacement.”
On Wednesday the team gets a break with no training or media activities on the programme but they will attend the prime ministers’ function in the evening.
The team will be announced on Thursday followed by a press conference and the Captain’s Run next Friday. – Sapa