Skipper Siya Kolisi is relishing being back in the Springbok camp as the world champions gear up for their 2025 opener against the Barbarians next week.
Now in their second week of preparation in Johannesburg, the Boks are pushing hard to lay the foundation for a demanding international season.
The Boks face the Baa Baas in South Africa for the first time at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 28 June. Rassie Erasmus’ troops then host Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on 5 and 12 July respectively, followed by a clash against Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Kolisi described the training environment as intense but energising, crediting assistant coach Felix Jones with helping to maintain the Boks’ elite standards.
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“Training is as hard as games… sometimes, it’s even harder,” Kolisi said. “Felix is back, and he’s always on our case, shouting when we do the fitness test, pushing you to get yourself there. You’re dead when you get there, and he’s like, ‘You did well.’ That’s all they want – your best. It’s a safe place to give everything.”
Jones returned to the Bok setup earlier this year after a short stint with England, stepping into a wide-ranging role that touches every coaching department. His reintegration comes as the Springboks evolve their game with attack specialist Tony Brown and defence coach Jerry Flannery in the mix, alongside Bok legend Duane Vermeulen.
“It’s been really exciting,” Jones said. “I get to work with coaches with whom I have a strong relationship. I’m learning a lot from the way the Boks have evolved. That’s one of the great strengths of this group – they never stand still. The players and coaches constantly want to improve.”
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Kolisi also welcomed the return of veteran lock Lood de Jager, who rejoins the squad after a lengthy injury absence from the national team.
“Playing here is not forever, and somewhere along the line, it is going to end. So, we appreciate it a whole lot more when we get back in camp. When you see a guy like Lood after such a long time, it is special,” Kolisi said.
“The hugs are just different; I don’t know how to explain it. He [De Jager] was punching me, and I asked him, ‘Why are you hitting me’, and he said, ‘Because I am excited to see you’.
“He was greeting everyone with a smile on his face. He knows how it feels when you are not here.
“That is the kind of environment we have. We see the management joke with each other. It makes it a proper family, and a safe space for a lot of us. That is why we can work that hard when they push us on the field.”
The Boks wrap up their training in Joburg before heading to Cape Town this weekend.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Siya on Lood’s ‘special’ hugs and punches appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.