The Springboks are gearing up for a challenging season, and according to Cheslin Kolbe, the preparation has been anything but easy. Despite kicking off against the Barbarians in a non-Test match, the Boks are treating it with utmost seriousness. Kolbe revealed that the past two weeks in camp, at altitude, have pushed the team to their limits.
Kolbe: A Gruelling Preseason
"It pushes you to the limit where you get into a dark place and just shows each and every one’s character of what it takes to be in those dark moments and how to get out of them and just hang in there," said Kolbe. "To be honest, it’s probably been my toughest preseason I’ve been part of since being with the Springboks."
Staying Grounded
Both Kolbe and attack coach Tony Brown emphasized that they won't be trying to match the Barbarians' expansive style. They'll stick to their processes and approach the game as they would a Test match. "For us, we just need to focus and stay in our environment and prepare as well as we can for what’s to come this weekend," Kolbe added.
Coach Rassie Erasmus seems to have strategically introduced new players and dynamics while maintaining a winning formula. This approach is a marked departure from previous years where the Boks relied heavily on the same squad and game plan that secured their 2019 World Cup victory. The focus remains on sharpening the team for the bigger challenges ahead, ensuring they are comfortable operating under pressure.
'Tony-ball' and Bok Formidability
The Boks are also integrating what's being called 'Tony-ball' into their strategy, which is expected to make them even more formidable. Rassie Erasmus's ability to introduce new players and new assistant coaches from overseas indicates a willingness to evolve and adapt. This is in contrast to the challenges faced in earlier years where opportunities for experimentation were limited.