The Springboks are said to have changed their pre-season planning as it’s still not clear which players will be available for the first Test.
The Springboks wrapped up their first alignment camp of the year earlier this year, with coach Rassie Erasmus throwing open the net to include a number of “newcomers.”
When the squad is reduced for the next Test matches in the middle of the year, a lot of players will be dropped, but it’s important to remember that two further alignment camps were initially scheduled for May.
These meetings were scheduled to take place on May 1–3, and May 22–24, respectively, but it appears that the schedule has changed.
The virtual one-day session on Friday, May 3, will take the place of the second three-day alignment camp of the year, as reported by the Sunday daily Rapport.
The decision was made since it is still unclear which local players will be available for the June 22 Test match against Wales at Twickenham.
Because this match is outside of the international window, several players who are based abroad will not be eligible to be selected. Furthermore, the URC final is set for June 22. It is unclear if the Bulls or Stormers will advance to the championship game.
WHO COULD COME BACK INTO THE SPRINGBOKS’ ALIGNMENT CAMPS?
The biggest omissions from the first alignment camp were undoubtedly Stormers star Hacjivah Dayimani, World Cup winner Deon Fourie and Sharks utility back Aphelele Fassi.
Fourie has since picked up an injury, but Fassi and Dayimani will hope to do enough to earn inclusion for the remaining Springboks alignment camp towards the end of May.
WORK TO BE DONE
As the Boks have begun their road to 2027 with the first alignment camp of the year, Erasmus has highlighted the importance of balance winning results with some ‘experimentation’ when it came to backing new players.
“Building a squad, trialing guys, giving guys opportunity, making sure that we always improve on squad depth, transforming the way we do things, trying to stay up to date… we have to try things.
“We tried things to know the answers when we get to the World Cup, and we certainly did lose a few Test matches in the last couple of years between World Cups.”
As head coach, it would be amazing to do better in between World Cups. On the other hand, would you like to attempt to obtain answers during the World Cup?
“We realize we have a fresh start, but we have had two chances at it in the last two World Cups. I would rather be at 80% than to win the World Cup. It’s preferable to finishing between 80 and 85% and not winning the World Cup at all. As much as we would like to increase that victory rate, we must be bold and take chances with
