As the Springboks prepare for their final match in the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday, the focus is clear: returning to their high standards and building momentum for the upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
Assistant coach Deon Davids emphasized the importance of this game, not just for the immediate victory, but for the larger goals of the season ahead.
The Springboks had a strong start to the 2024 season, beginning with a 41-13 victory against Wales at Twickenham in June, followed by a hard-fought 27-20 win over Ireland in Pretoria.
However, their recent match against Ireland in Durban ended in a narrow 25-24 defeat, a game that was decided by a last-minute drop goal. This setback has only strengthened the team’s resolve to return to winning ways and maintain the high standards they’ve set for themselves.
Despite facing a tier-two nation in Portugal, Davids stressed that the team’s goals and respect for their opponents come first. “As a team we pride ourselves on the standards we’ve set, and for our respect for the opposition, no matter which team we face,” said Davids.
Reflecting on the previous week’s performance, he highlighted the need for increased focus and quality play against Portugal.
This match marks the first-ever Test between South Africa and Portugal, adding a historic element to the game. Portugal, who defeated Fiji in the World Cup, is not to be underestimated. Their head coach, Simon Mannix, brings a New Zealand background that influences their style of play.
“They like to move the ball around a lot… so it will be important to keep them at bay, to dominate on attack and defence, and deny them momentum. We want to play the match on our terms,” Davids explained.
The Portuguese team will be highly motivated, aiming to prove their capabilities against the reigning world champions. The support in Bloemfontein, with a sold-out stadium, will add to the intensity of the match.
Davids acknowledged the challenge ahead: “They beat Namibia on Saturday… so it won’t be a case of us pitching up and winning the match. We have to deliver a quality performance and give our best for the full 80 minutes.”
Managing the squad effectively is another crucial aspect for the Springboks, especially with the Castle Lager Rugby Championship on the horizon.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has indicated that some players will be released midweek to rest and recover before the championship kicks off against Australia in August. Balancing team selection this weekend will be key to both managing player fatigue and building squad depth for future challenges.
“We have a clear strategy about where we are as a team now and what we need to do going forward,” Davids said. “There are two key factors for us this week, and those are managing the players and building squad depth.”
Prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, who made his Test debut in Bloemfontein against Wales in 2022, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play this weekend.
“It’s good to be back in Bloemfontein and in the squad, and if I get an opportunity to play this weekend it will be an honour I plan to make the most of,” Mchunu said. He emphasized the growth and maturity within the team, acknowledging the importance of each Test match.
Mchunu has often been compared to former Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira, known as the “Beast,” but he is determined to carve out his own identity. “’Beast’ set a path for himself in his own right with all his accolades, and if I can achieve even half of that it would be fantastic,” Mchunu said.
“That said, I’d like people to see me as a player with my own set of skills and for what I can offer the team, so I’d prefer to be seen as Ntuthuko.”
As the Springboks head into Saturday’s match, their determination to return to their winning ways is palpable. The game against Portugal is not just about securing a victory but about reaffirming their high standards, building momentum, and preparing for the challenges ahead.
The team’s commitment to quality performance and strategic management of players underscores their readiness to tackle the upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship with renewed vigor and confidence.
Erasmus will announce the matchday squad on Tuesday, with the match kicking off at 17h00 on Saturday, broadcast live on SuperSport. The Springboks are poised to rise to the occasion, ready to show that their quest for excellence remains unwavering.
Source: SA RUGBY
