De Villiers praises Steenkamp for performance in scrums
A media conference with Springbok scrum coach Pieter de Villiers and team doctor Craig Roberts took place at Mbombela Stadium’s auditorium on Monday afternoon.
Roberts said Willie le Roux sustained a minor injury on Saturday in the Boks’ first of two test matches against Wales at Growth Point Stadium, Durban. Fly half, Johan Goosen also sustained an injury when the national team beat their opponents 38-12, but went for a scan today. The results will be made available later this week.
The Green and Gold made more than 130 tackles on Saturday and set up a new record with the ball in hand as well. “We had 39 minutes ball in play – the longest since we have been making recordings of our games,” Roberts said.
A couple of players, like Jannie du Plessis and Duane Vermeulen did not practice with the rest of the squad – the management gave them a break due to the amount of rugby they have been playing since the beginning of the year.
The scrum coach was very impressed with the team’s overall performance in the scrums against the World XI at Newlands in Cape Town a week ago, and on Saturday against star players like Taulupe Faletau and Dan Lydiate. “Our performance improved 100%. Guys like Gurthro Steenkamp did very well to stay as a unit and Jannie has been active as well.” Steenkamp ran out for his 50th test in Durban.
The team had their first training session at the stadium’s B field and was in an excellent form.
Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer wants to thank all the local fans that supports them – especially those who welcomed them on Sunday. The team arrived at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport yesterday afternoon.
Supporters are invited to attend the Boks’ second training session on Tuesday, June 17 at 15:30.
