The Springboks have landed in London, gearing up for an intense clash against England in what’s expected to be a fiercely contested match. With a compressed week ahead, Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, attack coach Tony Brown, and team doctor Dr. Jerome Mampane addressed the media, sharing insights into their preparation, mindset, and the challenges they anticipate.
Cobus Reinach: Ready for the Rivalry
Cobus Reinach reflected on the Springboks’ journey and the ever-growing rivalry with England. “Every test match is special, but with the last two World Cups—one final, one semi-final—this one has that extra edge,” he said. Reinach acknowledged the close competition between the two teams and pointed to England’s recent narrow losses against New Zealand and Australia as motivation for them to come out firing.
When asked about handling tight matches, Reinach highlighted the importance of preparation:
For me, it’s how you put your week together, how you prepare for situations that may come your way. With our coaching staff, we’re really working to prepare for everything that could happen on the field.
Cobus Reinach
Tony Brown on Evolving Springbok Attack
Attack coach Tony Brown, who joined the Springboks six months ago, discussed his excitement and approach to enhancing the Springbok offense. Known for his innovative style, Brown explained that he’s working to blend the Springboks’ traditional physicality with a more dynamic, free-flowing attack. “The Springboks don’t play like the All Blacks, and I’m not here to teach them that. I’m here to help them attack like Springboks,” he said.
Brown’s focus has been on using the Springboks’ natural size and skill to create more attacking opportunities. He’s encouraged players like Reinach to “scoot a bit more,” taking one or two steps before making decisions. This adaptability allows them to play off each other’s strengths while evolving as an offensive force.
Dr. Jerome Mampane: Maintaining Player Freshness
Dr. Jerome Mampane emphasized the importance of maintaining player freshness in a compressed week. With a match on Sunday followed by Saturday’s face-off with England, he noted that the team emerged from the Scotland game relatively unscathed, thanks to a careful balance of physio, recovery sessions, and strategic planning. “The aim has been on keeping the players fresh, especially given our tactical 7-1 split,” he explained.
With all eyes on Saturday’s game, the Springboks are channeling their intense rivalry with England into focused preparation. For fans, it promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams fighting to make a statement on the field.