Skipper Thomas du Toit and his South Africa A charges will boost their Springbok selection chances with a blockbuster performance against Munster on Thursday.
That was the message from assistant coach Bafana Nhleko on the eve of the match at a sold-out Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.
“These guys understand that these games provide an opportunity for them to show the national coaches what they can do, and the message is that they must try and knock the Bok door down and make it difficult for the selectors to ignore them,” Nhleko, who is also the Junior Springbok head coach, said.
“But we need to work together if we want to be successful, and the players’ attitudes have been great – both the first-timers and the more experienced players.”
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Du Toit, who is one of 14 capped Boks in the SA A side, added: “This is a great opportunity for everyone in the team, to throw our names in the hat to play for the Springboks.
“Some of us have been there before and it’s everyone’s dream to be in the Bok squad, but we will have to find a balance between showcasing our talents and playing as a team. If we can win the match, everyone will look better, and we fully understand it.
“Munster won’t roll over, they have a great team and we’re expecting a wonderful game. We’re not going to be naïve, we know what this means to them and I’m sure Ireland’s victory over the Boks will give them some advantage, but this is a new game between new teams and all of us are very excited about this opportunity.”
Adverse conditions are predicted for the Irish province on Thursday night, with wind and rain expected, but Du Toit said the South Africans will be ready.
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“We trained in similar conditions this week, perhaps not quite as windy, but it’s the same for both teams and we are raring to go, and it will be up to both sides to roll with the punches best,” the tighthead prop added.
Nhleko added: “It will be important for us to keep our game plan simple as we only had two days to prepare, but the players know they can take their opportunities when presented – without going away from our strong set piece and kicking games, and strong defence.
“We know we’ll make mistakes, but we will try and the players will look for opportunities in the game. We know they are strong at the breakdowns, but our defensive system is good and that will help us in forcing turnovers, not necessarily at the breakdown.
“Players such as Jean-Luc [du Preez] and Phepsi [Buthelezi] can be good on the ground; so, too, Thomas, Joseph Dweba and Henco van Wyk.”
Photo: Willem Loock/BackpagePix
