Johannesburg – Head coach Heyneke Meyer says the Springboks have got their season preparations off to a better start than last year.
The Boks held their first pre-season training camp in Cape Town, which ended on Tuesday, and Meyer hailed the get-together a huge success, despite a number of frontline players sitting out training because of injuries.
“It was great to see the players again and the enthusiasm they have for playing for their country,” Meyer said.
“Even though this was only a first opportunity to get together this year and start our work ahead of the international season, with no selection guarantees, the players' excitement was palpable. We've already done much more work than at this time last year.”
South Africa lost only three of their 12 Tests last season, including three successive victories to stay unbeaten on their year-end tour to Great Britain.
They finished third of four teams, however, in the inaugural Rugby Championship, and Meyer said they hoped for an improved showing this season.
“We've looked at and analysed a lot of rugby matches during the last few months and have identified a number of areas where we aim to improve this year, with the breakdown top of our list,” he said.
“There are 120 to 160 breakdowns in every match and it's my opinion that we can improve a lot in this very crucial area of the game.”
The Boks start their 2013 campaign with home matches against Italy, Scotland and Samoa, and Meyer said they expected tough contests against all three teams.
“I don't agree with the assertion that our Tests in June will be easy.
“Italy and Scotland finished higher in the Six Nations than Ireland and France and will arrive here very confident.
“Samoa gave the Springboks a real scare at the last Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and have improved a lot over the last number of years.”
Meyer said the high number of injuries was a concern, with a number of players taking little or no part in the training sessions.
“These and other injuries are obviously concerning, but all the players underwent medical examinations and should be fit by the time we start the Castle Lager Incoming Series in June,” he said.
“It was encouraging to see the progress players with long-term injuries made. It shows they are in good hands at their franchises.
“We would like to thank the franchises for the opportunity to work with the players on this camp, despite them being in the middle of a very tough (Super Rugby) competition.”
The next Springbok training camp is planned for Durban at the end of May. – Sapa