Rassie Erasmus has hailed Cheslin Kolbe as the ultimate example of why heart matters more than size, paying an emotional tribute to the Springbok wing ahead of his milestone 50th Test appearance.
There may not be much left for Damian de Allende to prove in international rugby, but the veteran Springbok centre insists his desire to improve remains as strong as ever.
In elite sport, where the finest margins often separate victory from defeat, success is increasingly determined as much in the analysis room as it is on the training field.
Describing England as one of South Africa’s greatest rugby rivals, World Cup-winning Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus reflected on some of the defining moments between the two nations while paying tribute to the quality and depth of English rugby.
The Springboks have suffered an untimely injury setback ahead of their opening Test of the season against England, with highly rated youngster Riley Norton ruled out for up to 10 weeks after sustaining a serious hamstring injury.
Wilco Louw’s omission from the Springboks’ matchday squad to face England was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances, the physical toll of a demanding season and the emergence of in-form tighthead prop Zachary Porthen, according to coach Rassie Erasmus.
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.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes South Africa’s growing depth is one of the team’s greatest strengths, with fierce competition for places driving standards higher while experienced players help prepare the next generation for the demands of international rugby.