Nienaber satisfied with training camp progress

The first week of the Springbok training camp in Pretoria is over and Jacques Nienaber is satisfied with the players’ progress.

“It’s great to have all the players together and to get them used to the intensity of our training sessions and structures off the pitch. The group consists of players from 19 different clubs and it was essential to get everyone on the same page,” said the national rugby coach.

The group, which was announced last weekend, has a few training and gym sessions behind the scenes, while team meetings were also the order of the day in the run-up to the first Rugby Championship test against Australia in Pretoria.

“As coaches, we are satisfied with the quality of the sessions and it is nice to see how determined the players are to play in the Rugby Championship and thus stake a claim for a place in the World Cup squad.”

Putting the building blocks in place for a big #Jumpbox season ????#StrongerTogether
???? Gallo Images pic.twitter.com/aa5VB1i75X

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 15, 2023

Handré Pollard and Damian Willemse’s injuries forced the Springbok management to send an emergency call to Elton Jantjies in France.

According to Nienaber, the South Africans cannot afford to go into a Test season without the important fly-half position being covered.

“We have considered the options locally and overseas, having watched them all throughout the season – and Elton is the next fly-half in line.

“He knows our thinking and systems inside out and can fit in easily. We kick off against Australia in three weeks and if Damian is not fully fit, Elton will be ready to play.”