Boks turn attention to “tough challenge” in Cardiff

The Springboks wasted no time switching their focus to their final Castle Lager Outgoing Tour match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday after bagging their second victory on tour on Saturday, and Bok lock RG Snyman said it would be a tough closing encounter as they look to secure a full-house of wins in the November internationals for the first time since 2013.

The Boks beat England by 29-20 in London on Saturday, after last Sunday’s 32-15 win over Scotland in Edinburgh. Next up are the Welsh, who face Australia on Sunday afternoon, where they will be determined to make up for their 24-19 defeat against Fiji last weekend.

Despite the defeat against Fiji, Snyman said the Welsh are always a force to be reckoned with at home.

“Trying to make it three out of three (on tour) definitely puts some pressure on us but pressure brings the best out of this team,” said Snyman after the victory in London.

“We have a week to prepare for the game against Wales and we know we can give it our all because it’s our last match of the international season, so we are very excited about the challenge.

“It definitely won’t be easy because the Welsh are always a tough team to play against and especially at home, so we have to prepare well and get stuck in next week.”

Looking back at their victory against England, Snyman said it was a tough game.

“I thought the momentum shifted a few times throughout the game but we were happy to get the win,” he said.

“It’s always tough playing at the Allianz Stadium, so it was a good result for us. I also thought the guys adjusted well during the game and remained calm and it’s good to have that around you.”

Bok prop Wilco Louw became the 50th Springbok player to take the field this season in the clash against England in a team that showed 12 changes to the starting line-up and Snyman attributed their success with all the player rotation to the fantastic systems put in place by Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team.

“The mindset of among the players at the moment is that you have to understand your job, step into the role, and do the job whenever you are granted the opportunity,” said Snyman. “And personally, it’s great to be back with the Boks.”

The team travelled from London to Cardiff via bus on Sunday and will begin their on-field preparations for Saturday’s clash on Monday.

Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), RG Snyman (Leinster).

Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Flyhalves: Jordan Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).