Young Springboks squad hailed by coach and skipper before Tri-Nations Cup 2011 - Rugby News
The young and inexperienced Springboks squad has satisfied their skipper and coach at the end of the first leg of their training camps for the forthcoming Tri-Nations Cup 2011. The South African team has included many new faces for the annual competition
due to large scale injuries to their players. The side will play its opening match of the Tri-Nations against Australia, on July 23 in Sydney. Among too many youngsters, two experienced players including lock Johann Muller and star flanker Heinrich Brussow
were also seen in ANZ Stadium.
The South African skipper, John Smit, was very excited about his young side and hoped that they can produce remarkable results in the coming matches. He added that, “Nobody has given us a chance. There have been only a few times in my tenure as captain when
we have been totally written off – 2006 springs to mind – but in my 102 Tests I have never played in a team that was expecting to lose. Yes, there are a lot of green faces but I am finding it hard to look past the exciting rugby this team can produce.”
Meanwhile, Smit admitted that the Tri-Nations Cup will be great test for him as he has not played much rugby during the current year. Smit told the media that he will have to work hard on his fitness as a number of senior players were already missing from
their squad.
Peter de Villiers, the Springboks coach, talked to reporters after the conclusion of the first leg of practice session and said that he is very hopeful that his side will perform their best in the event. He further said that the boys are working really hard
in the camp, which is a good sign for South African prospects.
Talking about Johann Muller and Heinrich Brussow, Springboks coach said that his side will provide the pair every possible opportunity to prove their fitness for Rugby World Cup 2011 squad. De Villiers said that, “Johann and Heinrich are coming along nicely
and we'll give them another 24 hours before making a final decision.”
The pair had a great contribution in the South African win in the last world showpiece.
Tags: