That is the view of SA Rugby General Manager for High Performance, Dave Wessels. Speaking at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday following the Under-20 squad’s successful Junior World Championship title defence in Georgia, Wessels praised the senior national team for setting the ultimate rugby benchmark.
Wessels said he believes the senior Springboks deserve immense credit for creating a winning blueprint that filters down through the ranks.
“The Springboks deserve credit for everything that’s happening here,” Wessels said. “They have set such a high standard for everybody, and every team underneath them is trying to emulate them."
Success does not happen in a vacuum. Wessels highlighted the intense, daily collaboration between the senior management and the age-group structures.
“They spend a lot of time with us," Wessels explained. "We talk to guys like Felix Jones daily about what’s happening in their environment and ours. There’s a real synergy.”
While tactical alignment is crucial, Wessels stressed that the core focus remains on building the intangible traits of a Springbok. Under the guidance of head coach Bafana Nhleko, the U20 program prioritises culture, preparation, and professional demeanour over basic skills.
“It’s the culture of being a Springbok that we are trying to embed in the players," said Wessels. "Coach Nhleko and his coaches do a great job with that."
This structural and cultural alignment explains why recent academy graduates look instantly comfortable on the international stage.
“That’s why you see guys fit into the Springbok team and look like they belong there," Wessels concluded. "It’s not only about the rugby stuff. They are used to the environment.”