The Springboks re-assembled in Johannesburg on Sunday to begin intensifying preparation for their Rugby Championship title defence, which will kick off against the Wallabies at Ellis Park (17:10).
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said the full focus for now was on the first two matches against the Wallabies.
“We are approaching the tournament in three different blocks, the first of which is the leg against Australia, and we have no doubt they will want to build on their performances in their last two matches against the British & Irish Lions,” he said.
“Similarly, we would like to continue building momentum and our results in the Incoming Series, although we are under no illusions about the challenges these teams will pose.
“We are excited for the challenge ahead, and we are looking forward to returning to the field next week.”
The Springboks kick off their campaign against the Wallabies at Ellis Park:
16 August: SA v Australia – Ellis Park, Johannesburg (17:10 kick off SA time)
23 August: SA v Australia – DHL Stadium, Cape Town (17:10)
6 September: New Zealand v SA – Eden Park, Auckland (09:05)
13 September: New Zealand v SA – Sky Stadium, Wellington (09:05)
27 September: SA v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban (17:10)
4 October: Argentina v SA – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London (15:00)
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said he was confident that his team were ready to transition into Test mode.
“The intensity and competitiveness of this competition will be completely different, and our conditioning camp was important to allow us to make that step-up physically and mentally.”
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