Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe, who joined the select group of players to earn 50 Test caps alongside long-time team-mate Damian Willemse against England on Saturday, remained as humble as ever after reaching the milestone, saying he hopes to continue improving and contributing to the team.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said memories of last year’s defeat at Ellis Park helped inspire his side to a seven-tries-to-three, 45-21 (half-time 17-14) victory over England in the inaugural Nations Championship match at the same venue on Saturday.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi expect a fired-up England side when the teams meet in their opening Nations Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday, warning that the contest will be a physical battle. Although the Springboks are ranked first in the world and England sixth, both Stick and Kolisi insisted
Springbok loose forward Elrigh Louw has been called up to the national squad for the Nations Championship as additional forward cover and will join his teammates in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Springbok backs Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will celebrate their 50th Test caps when South Africa open their Nations Championship campaign against England, eight years after making their international debuts.
The Springboks wrapped up their Nations Championship training camp in Johannesburg on Thursday, with head coach Rassie Erasmus satisfied that the necessary building blocks are in place as the squad prepares to switch into full Test mode ahead of next week’s competition opener against England at Ellis Park.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Saturday named a 46-man squad featuring six uncapped players and a host of returning Vodacom Bulls stars for the inaugural Nations Championship, which kicks off against England in Johannesburg on Saturday, 4 July.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick have named strong squads for their opening matches of the season against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe respectively on Saturday in Gqeberha, with Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka set to captain the two teams.
Excitement was palpable in the Springbok camp on Monday as preparations intensified for a busy week that will see the Springboks face the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team take on Zimbabwe.