Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids has emphasised the importance of the team returning to their high standard of play when they face off against Portugal in the final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Davids added that the Test match will be vital to build momentum. It will be the first between South Africa and Portugal. And will be the massive task ahead of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship next month.
The Boks started the 2024 season on a high note with an easy 41-13 win against Wales at Twickenham in June. This victory was followed by a 27-20 win over the world’s second highest-ranked team, Ireland, in Pretoria two weeks ago.
Costly loss
However, a slow start in the first half of the second Test against the Irish in Durban at the weekend proved to be costly in the series decider which saw the Boks losing 25-24 following a last gasp drop goal by the visitors.
The world champions may be facing a tier-two nation in Portugal this weekend. However, Davids says for the team, goals come first. And they are determined to bounce back strongly from last week’s defeat to build on their standards.
“As a team, we pride ourselves on the standards we’ve set. And for our respect for the opposition, no matter which team we face,” Davids told SA rugby media.
“Having looked back at our performance last week, we need to be more focused going into this game. [We need to] play the quality of rugby we want to play.
“Portugal beat Fiji in the World Cup, so they are no pushovers. But we want to play the match on our terms.”
Mchunu happy to be back
Meanwhile, Boks prop Ntuthuko Mchunu expressed his excitement to be back in the squad. He made his Test debut in Bloemfontein against Wales in 2022,
“It’s good to be back in Bloemfontein and the squad. And if I get an opportunity to play this weekend, it will be an honor. I plan to make the most of it,” said Mchunu.
Erasmus will announce his matchday squad to face Portugal on Tuesday. The match kicks off at 5pm on Saturday.
