Pack your bags and brace yourselves, rugby fans! Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks, is gearing up his squad for what sounds like an epic saga across the UK and Europe. As the first wave of players jetted off from South Africa this past weekend, the full battalion is set to rendezvous in the UK come Monday. They're not just there to sip tea, either. Their grand tour kicks off with a bang against Japan at Wembley on Saturday.
But wait, there's more! After their samurai showdown, the Boks will clash with France in Paris, tango with Italy in Turin, duke it out with Ireland in Dublin, and finally, face Wales in Cardiff. It's a five-week rollercoaster that'll test their mettle and might.
Erasmus isn't pulling any punches about the challenges ahead.
"We are excited about the tour and to measure ourselves against some of the best teams in the world,"
he declared, adding that the groundwork laid during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship could be their ace up the sleeve.
Despite the chill of the northern hemisphere, which is a stark contrast to sunny SA, Erasmus is confident his boys will adapt on the fly. Thanks to their stints in the United Rugby Championship and various overseas clubs, they're pretty seasoned travellers. Plus, the minimal time zone difference is a bonus, allowing them to hit the ground running—or rather, training—from day one.
Erasmus pointed out that each team they face brings its own flavor of fury.
"Japan have been improving steadily over the last few years, and they defeated us a few years ago, so we have no doubt they will come out guns blazing next Saturday and throw everything at us,"
he noted. The specter of past defeats and close calls looms large, with France, Ireland, and Wales all lying in wait, hungry for victory.
As for Italy, they've shown they can scrap with the best of them, and their previous encounter in Pretoria has surely given them a taste for an upset. Wales, too, is looking to make a statement after a rocky season.
Yet, through all the trials and tribulations that await, Rassie's faith in his squad is unshaken. "It won’t be easy, but we have a quality group of players, and we know what they are capable of doing when we stick to our structures and play to our potential on the day." With a team spirit that’s as tough as biltong, the Springboks are not just participating—they’re there to conquer. So, let the games begin!
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Pack your bags and brace yourselves, rugby fans! Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks, is gearing up his squad for what sounds like an epic saga across the UK and Europe. As the first wave of players jetted off from South Africa this past weekend, the full battalion is set to rendezvous in the UK come Monday. They're not just there to sip tea, either. Their grand tour kicks off with a bang against Japan at Wembley on Saturday.
But wait, there's more! After their samurai showdown, the Boks will clash with France in Paris, tango with Italy in Turin, duke it out with Ireland in Dublin, and finally, face Wales in Cardiff. It's a five-week rollercoaster that'll test their mettle and might.
Erasmus isn't pulling any punches about the challenges ahead.
"We are excited about the tour and to measure ourselves against some of the best teams in the world,"
he declared, adding that the groundwork laid during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship could be their ace up the sleeve.Despite the chill of the northern hemisphere, which is a stark contrast to sunny SA, Erasmus is confident his boys will adapt on the fly. Thanks to their stints in the United Rugby Championship and various overseas clubs, they're pretty seasoned travellers. Plus, the minimal time zone difference is a bonus, allowing them to hit the ground running—or rather, training—from day one.
Erasmus pointed out that each team they face brings its own flavor of fury.
"Japan have been improving steadily over the last few years, and they defeated us a few years ago, so we have no doubt they will come out guns blazing next Saturday and throw everything at us,"
he noted. The specter of past defeats and close calls looms large, with France, Ireland, and Wales all lying in wait, hungry for victory.As for Italy, they've shown they can scrap with the best of them, and their previous encounter in Pretoria has surely given them a taste for an upset. Wales, too, is looking to make a statement after a rocky season.
Yet, through all the trials and tribulations that await, Rassie's faith in his squad is unshaken. "It won’t be easy, but we have a quality group of players, and we know what they are capable of doing when we stick to our structures and play to our potential on the day." With a team spirit that’s as tough as biltong, the Springboks are not just participating—they’re there to conquer. So, let the games begin!