Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger fronted up less than 24 hours after the Springboks were on the wrong side of the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history in Brighton on Saturday as they arrived at their new team base in Birmingham.
Burger said the Boks will need to buckle down in their first training day on Monday ahead of the Samoan clash and sort out exactly why they lost, to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“The first thing to understand is why we lost; why Japan put us under so much pressure” Burger said.
“As soon as we understand what the weaknesses are that were exposed in that game, we can move forward. That must happen fast.
“Tomorrow we need to put the game behind us and focus on Samoa.”
The senior group of players need to play a vital role this week, and as Burger puts it, how successful they are will determine a “defining” week for the Boks.
“I know our self-confidence is not where it should be, but it is up to us as a senior group and a coaching team to get the guys ready to go out and play,” he added.
“We can’t just play within our means against Samoa and think we can win. We have to go out there and take the game from them. It won’t be easy. What is quite difficult for us is not to go back into our shells, but rather take this competition by the scruff of its neck and go out and win this match.”
Burger said the team were working harder than ever, but they weren’t getting the reward for their efforts.
“When it isn’t going well, that’s when you’re working at your honest. Time on the field is necessary but also getting everyone right mentally. It’s funny when its not going well every issue rears its head. As a senior group obviously we will have a tough week. We’re working super hard and we have a determined group here. Unfortunately for whatever reason it isn’t going our way. This week is really important.
“What is quite difficult for us is not to go back into our shells, but rather take this competition by the scruff of its neck and go out and win this match.”
The Boks face Samoa on Saturday at Villa Park with the Samoans opening their World Cup with a good 25-16 win over the USA.
