Boks must build on their success – Jean

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 08, Jean de Villiers during the South African national rugby press conference at High Performance Centre on August 08, 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 08, Jean de Villiers during the South African national rugby press conference at High Performance Centre on August 08, 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

Published Aug 8, 2012

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Cape Town – The Springboks will seek to build on their recent series against England when they take on Argentina in the Rugby Championship next weekend, captain Jean de Villiers said on Wednesday.

The Boks had far more time to prepare this time than when they hosted England in a three-Test series in June, he said.

“There were many positives coming out of the England series and that's what we need to build (on) in the Rugby Championship.

“During the England series there was always the Rugby Championship at the back of our minds, but this time we have an extra week to prepare and next week's game is our only focus.

“We'll stick to a simple game-plan, one that everyone understands. There are areas we can improve on.”

De Villiers emphasised the importance of playing for the duration of the game and not to become complacent in the last minutes of fixtures.

“This is an inexperienced team and hopefully we can evolve with every outing.

“We want to play in the right areas and put pressure on the opposition.”

De Villiers said it remained a thrill to play for the Boks and that the players were honoured to be able to wear the famous “green-and-gold”.

“I had a funny experience over the weekend when the team was announced on television,” De Villiers said.

“It was a strange feeling when after all the backline players' names were read, my name was missing. I felt there was something wrong. But my name was ready right at the end and it shows that one cannot take anything for granted.

“It's always special to play for your country.”

De Villiers said there was a positive mood in the camp and that the players enjoyed each other's company.

He said the Boks were also pleased that the Sharks players had joined training after missing the first two sessions because of Super Rugby commitments.

“It was good to have the Sharks back in the fold and we (are) very proud of them,” said De Villiers.

“They did fantastically well.”

The Boks play Argentina in back-to-back Tests starting on August 18 at Newlands and De Villiers said the occasion would be a momentous one.

“Both the Boks and Argentina will be making their debut in the Castle Rugby Championship and that makes it a special occasion,” he said.

“The history of SA versus Argentina is pretty impressive and we're playing at a historic venue like Newlands, which is steeped in tradition.

“Argentina have great skill and have big forwards, all of which makes for a great match. You can expect Argentina to be psyched up for the occasion.” – Sapa

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