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South Africa’s Springboks are adapting their training schedule ahead of an unusual Sunday test against Scotland, aiming for peak performance in a challenging UK tour opener.
Springboks fans can expect a slight shake-up in the team's preparation ahead of this Sunday’s much-anticipated Test match against Scotland at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium.
The Springboks, fresh off a grueling week-long training camp on the Channel Island of Jersey, arrived in the Scottish capital on Sunday and are taking an unconventional approach to this week’s preparations, with coach Rassie Erasmus opting for a delayed start.
Typically, the Springboks' Test-week training schedule kicks off on Mondays.
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However, with an unusual Sunday evening kickoff scheduled for 6:10 pm, Erasmus has adjusted their routine, allowing the players a day off on Monday and setting their Test-week preparations to begin on Tuesday.
“We had a good training week in Jersey,” says Bulls tighthead prop Wilco Louw as per IOL.
“It offered us a great opportunity to align as a squad after everyone returned from their franchises and clubs, so we’re really excited about the week ahead here in Scotland.”
Louw, a valuable addition to the Boks’ front row, is expected to gain crucial minutes over the next few weeks, especially with Frans Malherbe sidelined due to an ankle injury.
The adjusted schedule is not the only thing the Springboks are looking forward to.
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Their time in Jersey involved intensive two-a-day training sessions designed to reacquaint the players and hone their focus ahead of a challenging tour, which includes not only Scotland but also England and Wales.
For Louw and his teammates, the camp laid an essential foundation, ensuring they enter Sunday’s game with Scotland fully synchronized.
“The last week was tough, but good, and we’re in a good space,” Louw shared.
“Everyone knows what our objectives are, which is important because it’s going to be a tough game against Scotland. They kept the team busy in the Rugby World Cup pool match last year, so we know it’s going to be challenging, but we’re looking forward to it.”
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The South African team is used to running its squad announcements on Tuesday; however, with the adjusted week, they might delay until Wednesday or Thursday.
The hosts are coming off a resounding 57-17 victory over Fiji, and the extra day of recovery from that win could provide a slight edge.
This Sunday’s game will mark only the third time in recent months that the Springboks play on a Sunday.
Their last Sunday appearances included a quarter-final victory over France and a pool-stage win over Scotland during the Rugby World Cup.
The Sunday fixture also comes with the consequence of having one day less to prepare for their following match against England, which takes place next Saturday.
Nevertheless, the Boks are more than eager to get back into “match mode” after their intensive week in Jersey.
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For Louw, this tour marks an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a squad filled with World Cup legends.
“It’s amazing – most of these players have won two World Cups, so it’s an absolute privilege being back here,” he said.
“With all the experience in the group, it’s good to be on the field with all these legends. Hopefully, we’ll have another good week of preparation in Scotland in the lead-up to the Test match.”
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