Erasmus names 11 Bulls in his first Bok training squad
Super Rugby limits options
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named his first training squad yesterday‚ which only consisted of 11 Bulls players due to Super Rugby constraints.
The likes of inexperienced scrumhalf Embrose Papier and flank Roelof Smit were included while Handré Pollard and Jesse Kriel are among some stalwarts in the group.
The first of three alignment camps will be hosted from 1 to 4 April in Vanderbijlpark‚ south of Johannesburg.
The second camp is scheduled to run from 8 to 11 April‚ also in Vanderbijlpark‚ while Durban will host the third assessment camp from 22 to 25 April.
No on-field activities are scheduled at this stage.
Erasmus explained that the camps were planned with both the Springbok preparations and the local teams’ Super Rugby commitments in mind.
“As much as we don’t want to disrupt the weekly preparations of our Super Rugby teams it is equally important that we continue with preparations of the Springboks in the background‚” said Erasmus.
According to Erasmus‚ his coaching staff are working closely with the local Super Rugby franchises in the build-up to the international season.
The Springboks start their international commitments with a historical clash against Wales in Washington DC on Saturday‚ June 2.
They will then return to South Africa to play England in the Castle Lager Incoming Series‚ which consists of three tests on consecutive weekends.
Ellis Park in Johannesburg will host the series opener on 9 June‚ the second test takes place on 16 June at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein‚ and the final match in the series will be contested a week later at Newlands in Cape Town.