After being swept aside by Argentina in Mendoza, the Springboks are trying every possible trick to help them beat the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.
After arriving on the Australian east coast on Sunday, the Boks have scheduled their practice sessions later in the day to simulate the match conditions at the Suncorp Stadium, where kickoff will be at 8pm local time (12 noon SA time).
They even had a gym session at 7.30pm on Monday!
“Back home, we always play in the late afternoon while over the next two weeks we will be playing in the evening, which obviously means that on match days the boys will be active much later in the day,” Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said on Wednesday, which is an off-day for the team.
“As part of our preparations for the evening kickoff, we have therefore moved our practise sessions and even some gym workouts to later slots in the day. For instance, our field sessions started at 4pm on both days.”
But it’s all about what will happen on the field on Saturday, and Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has said he will make a few changes to the team that lost 32-16 against Argentina.
Damian Willemse and Jesse Kriel in action in Brisbane. Photo: @Springboks via Twitter
The loose trio will be rejigged, which could see captain Siya Kolisi back at openside flank and Pieter-Steph du Toit at No 7, while it is believed that Steven Kitshoff and Bongi Mbonambi may also get starts.
Elton Jantjies might be given an opportunity at flyhalf, while Damian de Allende and Jessie Kriel are expected to return in midfield.
Great vibe in this training drill as the Springboks continue their preparations in Brisbane for Saturday's clash against the Wallabies. @MTNza @ASICS_ZA pic.twitter.com/Ft9krmfelV
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) September 4, 2018
Cheslin Kolbe will hope to earn his first Test cap as well, with Erasmus naming his team on Thursday for what is a must-win game if the Boks want to have any chance of staying in the Rugby Championship title race.
Cheslin Kolbe will hope to make his Test debut for the Springboks on Saturday. Photo: @Springboks via Twitter Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick speaks about the preparations for the clash against the Wallabies. Audio: SA Rugby