Former Junior Bok Captain Opens Up On ‘Awesome’ Step Up To Rassie’s Camp

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.

Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids and loose forward Paul de Villiers addressed the media at the team’s first press conference of the week in Johannesburg, with both expressing their enthusiasm for the challenges ahead.

Davids, who will serve as an assistant coach for both the Springboks and the SA ‘A’ side, said preparations were on track and that the squad hoped to build on the work completed last week as the countdown continues to the season-opening double-header in Gqeberha.

The SA ‘A’ side will face Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 12:00 on Saturday, before the Springboks take on the Barbarians at 15:00.

“It’s fantastic having the young players in the squad and mixing things up with the more experienced players, so there’s been good progression from our alignment camps into this camp,” said Davids.

“That has also created a good understanding of what is expected of everyone and how we do things.

“It’s been great to see the energy and enthusiasm, as well as the way the players have connected and worked together to get things done. We’re looking forward to this week as we build towards Saturday.”

De Villiers, a former Junior Springbok captain, said he was delighted to be part of the expanded national squad and has relished every moment of the experience so far.

“It’s only been a week, but it’s been awesome, and I’ve learned a lot,” said De Villiers.

“We have great players in the squad whom we’re all learning from, so it’s the perfect environment. We also have excellent coaches who have been fantastic in guiding and advising us.”

Asked about the biggest difference between provincial rugby and the Springbok environment, De Villiers highlighted the intensity of training sessions.

“I think the training standards have been the biggest thing,” he said.

“You’re competing against players who are already Springboks, and everyone wants to be here. The intensity at training is definitely one of the biggest differences.”

Explaining the decision to remain in Johannesburg until Wednesday before travelling to Gqeberha, Davids said the team had settled comfortably and preferred to complete most of their preparations before departing.

“We’ve settled well in Johannesburg, and we’re comfortable with the surroundings and our training facilities,” he said.

“We felt it would be best to finish our training here and then have our captain’s runs in Gqeberha before the games.”

Davids also welcomed the opportunity to work across both national teams this weekend.

“We’ve tried to keep things aligned in terms of our plans, and that has been our approach across the different departments,” he explained.

“I think it’s worked well, and we’re on the right track.”

Looking ahead to the opposition, Davids spoke highly of both the Barbarians and Zimbabwe, believing each side will pose a unique challenge.

“The Barbarians have always selected quality players, and they will have a squad filled with experience,” said Davids.

“Given the limited time they have together, they always go out there with the intention of entertaining.

“As for Zimbabwe, they have also developed quality players and have a strong coaching team that will bring plenty of structure to their forward play. The fact that they’ve qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup makes this a valuable challenge for both them and us.”

While De Villiers admitted he was experiencing a combination of nerves and excitement ahead of the weekend, he stressed that his focus remains firmly on performing on the field.

“I wouldn’t say the penny has dropped yet,” he said.

“For me, the main thing is to get the job done on the field. I’m excited, although there are definitely some nerves as well. Everything else comes afterwards, but that’s not where my focus is right now.”

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick will announce their respective squads for the matches on Tuesday.

Davids also took the opportunity to wish the Vodacom Bulls well ahead of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final against Leinster in Dublin on Friday evening.

“We’re very excited that they’ve reached the final,” he said.

“We wish them all the best. The team and the whole of South Africa are behind them.”