The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, has revealed their training squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. The team includes 40 players, including some familiar faces and some notable absences. Captain Siya Kolisi, lock Eben Etzebeth, prop Thomas du Toit, and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse are among the players included in the squad, despite current injuries.
One key omission from the Springboks’ training squad is utility back Francois Steyn, who has a history of injuries. The 36-year-old veteran, who played an important role in the 2019 and 2007 Rugby World Cup victories, faces dwindling chances of a third championship. Meanwhile, Munster lock Jean Kleyn awaits approval of an application to change his national team status, which would allow him to join the training squad.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has successfully included England and France-based players in the training camp for the first time. Despite a serious knee injury, captain Kolisi is expected to recover in time for the World Cup defense in September.
The Rugby Championship training squad boasts a formidable team, with players covering different positions on the field. The squad includes Jean-Luc du Preez, a long-ignored loose forward who recently played with the Sale Sharks in the English Premiership final. However, du Preez, Trevor Nyakane, and Vincent Koch will not join the camp immediately due to personal and club commitments.
During the 2019 World Cup, the Springboks employed a unique bench strategy, which featured six forwards, one utility back, and one specialist scrumhalf configuration. This allowed the team to refresh their forward lineup in the second half of matches, providing an extra boost to their performance.
The Springboks will start their countdown to the World Cup with Championship games against Australia on July 8th, New Zealand on July 15th, and Argentina on July 29th. After the Rugby Championship, the team will play warm-up fixtures against Argentina, Wales, and New Zealand before heading into the Rugby World Cup.
In the World Cup group stage, the Springboks will face Scotland, Romania, Ireland, and Tonga. If they advance, they will compete in the quarter-finals during the weekend of October 14-15, followed by potential semi-finals on the weekend of October 21-22 and the final match on October 28th.
As South Africa’s national rugby team prepares for the Rugby Championship and the World Cup, fans eagerly await their performance on the global stage. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the Springboks aim to continue their legacy of success. The team’s progress during the training camp and the Rugby Championship will provide critical insights into their readiness for the World Cup.
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