Springboks looking to improve in all areas, Coetzee
- Lionel Mapoe returns to full training
- Francois Venter joins squad in Durban
The Springboks will work hard this week during training to improve on their game as they prepare to take on France in the second Castle Lager Incoming Series Test in Durban on Saturday.
The Springboks won the first Test 37-14 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee reiterated on Monday that, while he is pleased with the positive start to the series, his team is looking for improvement on their Loftus performance.
“I am very happy with the effort of the team, they did well and got the job done in Pretoria,” said Coetzee.
“However, for us it is a process and were are looking forward to more improvement in all aspects of our game and that is why we will work extremely hard during training this week, starting with today’s session.”
The Springboks arrived to a warm reception in Durban on Sunday and Coetzee said the team appreciates the support of the rugby community.
“We all know what this team means for ordinary South Africans, and that is why I was pleased with the team effort in Pretoria. It would be fantastic to once more see the passionate support of a big Durban crowd,” added Coetzee.
The Boks held an open training session on Monday afternoon at Northwood High School, which was followed by a meet greet session with supporters.
Meanwhile, Springbok team doctor, Dr Konrad von Hagen, confirmed on Monday that Jesse Kriel will not be available for the second Test against the French. He will continue with his gradual return to play protocol after taking a blow to the head in the second-half at Loftus on Saturday, and was replaced by Frans Steyn.
“It is important to note that we practise extreme caution with head injuries and there are definite protocols in place for on-field and off-field diagnosis and subsequent management,” explained Dr Von Hagen.
Kriel will have total rest for a full week and is therefore unavailable for selection this coming weekend.
Lionel Mapoe completed the final phase of his rehabilitation for his hamstring strain and resumed with full training on Monday, the team doctor, Dr Konrad von Hagen, confirmed.
However, Dr Von Hagen added that Damian de Allende will return to Cape Town and will continue with his injury rehabilitation at the DHL Stormers. De Allende has a quad hematoma which he picked up during the last round of Vodacom Super Rugby action for the Cape franchise before the break for the June internationals.
Meanwhile Francois Venter joined up with the Boks for their afternoon training session at the Northwood High School as replacement for the injured De Allende. Venter was already in Durban as part of the SA ‘A’ squad to play the French Barbarians in a two-match series, starting on Friday.
Venter will be available for the SA ‘A’ team if he is not selected for the Boks’ match-23 for this weekend’s second Test.
The rest of the Bok squad are all in good shape with the medical team managing the usual bumps and bruises following a hard match.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
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