The Springboks touched down in Edinburgh on Sunday, marking the beginning of their highly anticipated Castle Lager Outgoing Tour. Following a rigorous week of training on the Channel Island of Jersey, the team is feeling aligned, focused, and excited for their first clash against Scotland this coming Sunday.
The squad’s journey began last Monday in Jersey, where they had a full training week to get everyone on the same page. With players returning from their various franchises and clubs, the camp served as a crucial opportunity to build cohesion and unity within the squad. The island’s top-notch facilities and isolated setting allowed the team to concentrate fully on their preparation, focusing on the finer details that will be vital in the high-stakes environment of international rugby.
Wilco Louw, a stalwart of the Springbok pack and a late addition to the squad, expressed the team’s collective excitement and readiness. “It definitely feels real now,” Louw commented upon their arrival in Edinburgh. “We had a good training week in Jersey, which gave us a great opportunity to align as a squad after everyone returned from their franchises and clubs. We’re really excited about the week ahead here in Scotland.”
For Louw, this tour holds a special significance. After being on the standby list earlier this year, he’s thrilled to be back in the national setup.
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.
Wilco Louw
The Springboks’ first test against Scotland promises to be a challenge. Scotland is coming off a morale-boosting 57-17 victory against Fiji, showing their strength and determination. The two teams last met in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup, a match where Scotland pushed the Springboks with relentless intensity. This familiarity only adds to the anticipation, with both sides looking to prove a point.
As they prepare to take on Scotland, the Springboks are clear about their objectives and have embraced the challenge ahead. “We’re definitely where we want to be going into the tour after having a chance to get on the same page and focus on the match against Scotland next week,” said Louw. “The last week was tough, but good, and we’re in a good space. Everyone knows what our objectives are, which is important because it’s going to be a tough game.”
The squad will take the next few days to recover from their intense training camp, with on-field preparations set to begin in earnest on Tuesday. The focus will be on fine-tuning strategies and building the momentum necessary to take on Scotland in front of a passionate Murrayfield crowd.
With the experience and unity within this Springbok squad, fans can expect a focused and determined performance on Sunday. The Castle Lager Outgoing Tour is more than just a series of tests – it’s an opportunity for the Springboks to showcase their resilience, skill, and national pride as they take on some of rugby’s toughest opponents.
Stay tuned as the Springboks embark on their journey, with the first stop in Scotland – a game that promises intensity, excitement, and a true test of the Springboks’ mettle.