Springboks

Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby, offered no excuses for the Springboks’ narrow 22-20 loss against Wales in difficult conditions in Washington DC on Saturday evening.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee praised his team for getting the job done by beating Italy 35-6 in very difficult conditions in Padova on Saturday.

Thomas du Toit has been called up to provide front row cover for the Springboks and is set to join the tour squad on Monday in Cardiff, Wales.

The Springboks are expecting a very difficult contest when they meet Italy at the Stadio Euganeo in Padova on Saturday, according to their captain Eben Etzebeth.

Fullback Warrick Gelant looks likely to make his Springbok debut off the bench against Italy in Padova on Saturday.

Springbok scrum coach Matt Proudfoot said it will be important to meet the physical challenge of the Italian pack when the two sides meet in Padova on Saturday.

Springbok assistant coach Franco Smith has lauded the immediate impact of Duane Vermeulen, who recently joined the squad.

Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth has a very good chance of recovering from his leg injury to lead the Springboks in their third Castle Lager Outgoing Tour match against Italy this weekend, the Springboks’ medical team confirmed on Monday.

Springbok captain, Eben Etzebeth, and hooker Malcolm Marx had x-rays on Sunday to determine the severity of injuries sustained in Saturday’s 18-17 win over France in Paris.

Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth said he and his team-mates are focussed on delivering a good performance on Saturday evening against France, when the two teams meet at the Stade de France in Paris.