Plett camp over, now it’s down to business

FOLLOWING a good week of onand off-field preparations, the Springboks moved camp from Plettenberg Bay to Pretoria yesterday where they will continue to fine-tune preparations for the first Castle Lager Incoming Series rugby test against France.

The two teams meet each other at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday in the first test of the three-match series.

The Springboks wrapped up their on-field preparations in Plettenberg Bay on Friday afternoon with two field sessions and also some early morning gym work.

The players also played their part in giving back to the local communities, who came out in big numbers on Tuesday to support the Boks at their open training session at the Bitou Rugby Club.

On Thursday, several players took part in a community coaching clinic in Hornlee, Knysna.

Springbok captain Warren Whiteley lauded the impact of the Plettenberg Bay training camp.

“We are essentially a new group, so it was important to be able to spend quality time together,” he said. “Off the field, we really spent a good deal of time to focus on the building of a strong and enjoyable team environment.

“Those activities were thoroughly enjoyable and it gave us a chance to get to know one another much better.”

The Boks also roped in South African test referee Jaco Peyper, who spent two days at the camp to assist with technical aspects of the laws of the game.

“Jaco is a very experienced and well-respected international referee and, for us as players, it was a rare chance to spend quality time with him and gain insight from his experience,” Whiteley said.

Centres Lionel Mapoe and Damian de Allende both sat out during the field training sessions because of injury niggles.

Mapoe picked up a minor hamstring strain earlier in the week, while De Allende is troubled by a thigh contusion sustained in Super Rugby action.

The team for the first test will be announced on Thursday.

Francois Hougaard joins the squad today, while Duane Vermeulen joins tomorrow.