(Reuters) – South Africa have advanced their preparations for the two-test home series with Ireland following the arrival of all their players in camp this week, but coach Rassie Erasmus warns the tourists will be a step up in quality from their convincing 41-13 win over Wales.
A weakened Springbok side without many overseas-based players and several injured regulars put on a strong second half display to ease to a season-opening victory in London, their first fixture since winning back-to-back World Cup titles in France last year.
The Springboks’ trip home turned into an ordeal though when their flight from London to Johannesburg was cancelled, meaning they arrived back in South Africa 24 hours later than expected.
They host Ireland in Pretoria on July 6 and in Durban a week later for a highly-anticipated series against the World Cup quarter-finalists.
“It was pleasing to see how the players who joined us this week stepped back into test mode and got stuck in at training,” said Erasmus. “Some of the players have been in our set-up for a while, which certainly assisted, and the new players also wasted no time familiarising themselves with the systems and we are pleased with how they slotted in.
“I believe we are in the right frame of mind for the challenge ahead against the world’s number two ranked team (in the world).”
Erasmus will have several more World Cup winners to select from when he names his team for the first test against Ireland on Tuesday but will also be looking to reward those who performed well against Wales.
“We had a chance this week to analyse what we did well against Wales and the areas we need to put more emphasis on going into the Ireland tests, and we were delighted with the professional manner in which the players made the mindset switch to the (Ireland) series,” Erasmus said.
“There is a huge excitement in the group for the challenge ahead and that was evident on and off the field this week.
“Everyone knows that a big step-up is required next week, but we are pleased with the momentum we built up by defeating Wales and getting international game time under the belt.”
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Toby Chopra)
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