Springboks Aim to Overcome Brisbane Woes in Rugby Championship Opener Against Wallabies
Despite their poor record against the Wallabies in Brisbane, the defending Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks, are quietly confident ahead of their clash in the city to open their Rugby Championship campaign.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick emphasized that the team is not focusing on their past struggles in Brisbane, but instead is concentrating on being mentally and physically prepared to take on the Wallabies.
“This is a very important match for us,” said Kolisi. “We know it will be challenging, as we’re facing a side that is eager to win at home in front of a sold-out stadium. But our focus is on what we need to do on the field, not on our past record here.”
Stick echoed these sentiments, stating that the world champions don’t dwell too much on records. “This week is about trying to improve our game. We must pitch up with the right mindset, implement our plans well, and be effective in our execution,” he explained.
The Springboks are also eager to build on their recent 64-21 victory over Portugal, with Stick noting that it was “probably one of our best training weeks” leading up to the match against the Wallabies.
Despite the inclusion of two debutants, fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and number eight Elrigh Louw, the South African coaching staff is confident in their abilities to perform at the international level.
“We haven’t done anything differently with Sacha starting because we don’t want to place extra pressure on him,” said Stick. “And we’re excited to see Elrigh earn his first start, as he had an amazing United Rugby Championship season and will be a strong carrier for us.”
The Springboks know they face a formidable challenge against a Wallabies team on the rise, but they are determined to make a successful start to their Rugby Championship campaign and continue their development under the guidance of new coaches Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown.
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