It was one of the hottest days in Cape Town on Monday, with the temperature forecasted to rise to 36 degrees.
Stellenbosch was set to reach 37 degrees, but it’s normally even hotter in the Cape Winelands.
So, when the Springboks got together for a training camp ahead of the end-of-year tour to Europe, they may have hoped for some respite from the heat.
Not a chance! Instead, Rassie Erasmus’ team had to do that much-hated chore of top-level rugby – the bleep test – which measures the aerobic fitness of each player.
They have to run 20 metres between two points, with a ‘bleep’ sound going off at a set time, and the time between bleeps gets shorter and shorter.
The Springbok training camp started today with the much loved bleep test. Stellenbosch at its absolute scorching best 💥 @MTNza @ASICS_ZA #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/rBevMz02RS
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) October 22, 2018
SA Rugby posted pictures of Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx and Schalk Brits giving it their all, while the second training session of the day appeared to include more rugby-specific drills.
Hard yards. After a well deserved break, the #Springboks are back on the training pitch in Stellenbosch to prepare for the upcoming Castle Lager Outgoing Tours to the UK and France. @MTNza @ASICS_ZA #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/H7ZeuNteZy
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) October 22, 2018
After the short break following the Rugby Championship, the Boks will be hoping to get into top shape this week before the final squad is named after the Currie Cup final between Western Province and the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday.
They will begin their tour in what is sure to be cold conditions against England at Twickenham on November 3, followed by Tests against France in Paris, Scotland in Edinburgh and Wales in Cardiff.
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