The Springboks’ first alignment camp in Cape Town comes to an end today after 43 players had the opportunity over the last couple of days to be part of head coach Rassie Erasmus’ first plans as they build up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Although a short one,there would have been key information shared with the invited playersthat excluded people who are presently working abroad.IOL Sport examines five results from the alignment camp that the Springboks might have preferred.
Recognizing Rassie’s “threepeat” route map
Three years remain until Australia hosts the World Cup, but this was a prelude to the event where the Springboks would attempt to reclaim their hegemony.
But it will be gradual, as the series against Ireland in 2024 will be the present crop’s primary priority. Erasmus will have been researching them in order to get ready for the series in July because they were the last team to defeat the Boks.
South Africa made history in France last year, becoming the first country to win four Webb Ellis Cups. Yesterday was the first step in their journey to play back-to-back matches, as Erasmus gave his team a sneak peek at his grand strategy.
Another top priority should be getting first-timers like Cameron Hanekom, Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Andre-Hugo Venter, Morne van den Berg, Henco van Wyk, and Celimpilo Gumede on the same page.
It’s true that they only had two days to become acquainted with the Springbok setup and Erasmus’s methodical approach, but the Bok coaches will be satisfied if the new players are able to absorb as much as they can.
At this alignment camp, the players will soon learn whether they possess the qualities the Springboks want for in a player—off the field as well as on it..
Getting to know the new coaches
It will be essential to adjust to new instructors Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown as quickly as possible.
Although they are fresh voices in the Bok lineup, the players are thrilled to have them. Even if every player has served as an assistant to former international referee Jaco Peyper at some point in their careers, Peyper’s voice will be unfamiliar to everyone as well.
They were added to the team in order to refine a few crucial sections of the
Bok’s strategy. Flannery’s defensive contributions will be closely watched, and the players’ reactions to him will be crucial, particularly in light of the achievements brought about by previous coach Jacques Nienaber.
Identifying replacements for senior players
It will be a first step for Erasmus and his assistants to identify the players who will have to step into the roles of players close to retirement and who will probably not make the World Cup in three years.
A bunch of Boks have won back-toback titles, but 2027 will most likely be a tournament too far for them. There are crucial positions that the Springbok coaches will have to fill over the next few years to ensure the team is ready to defend its crown.
Hooker and lock are two positions in the forwards that spring to mind where the next breakthrough
is needed. At the back, centre and scrumhalf will be the slots to fill this season or the next.
Embracing the hiccups that come with building again
A couple of Bok coaches, like Jacques Nienaber, have left the system, and there are bound to be some hiccups along the way, especially in the first few Tests, as the world champions get used to Erasmus as coach and the additions to his staff.
But they’ve always been able to cope with the change, and it’s something that will be spoken about during their indoor sessions at the camp.
Adapting to building in certain areas will be key as the Boks prepare for what Ireland will bring in July. They will have a target on their backs as champions and the No 1 side in the world.
That change in the system can either make or break them.
