During a media opportunity, SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and Nienaber said they were pleased to have flyhalf Elton Jantjies back in the mix, saying his experience was valuable for the team.
“A big benefit of having Elton in the squad is that there is no rush for Handre (Pollard) and Damian (Willemse) to hurry their injuries,” said Erasmus.
“They can take their time and heal properly. That said, there’s a good chance that Damian will be cleared (medically) next week.”
Erasmus added: “Elton has close to 50 Test caps and in 2020 he was named SANZAARs South African Super Rugby Player of the Decade, so there isn’t much he still has to learn. He also helps the young players on the field, so he’s a valuable player.”
With the Springboks entering the second week of their Castle Lager Rugby Championship training camp, Nienaber said there was a fantastic atmosphere in the squad: “The energy in the squad is good and the players are working hard to build on the foundation we laid last week. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are on a good trajectory.”
Nienaber also revealed that leading South African referee Jaco Peyper, who is on the match official panel for the Rugby World Cup, is currently with the team to assist them in their interpretation of the laws of the game.
“One of the additions to our camp this week is that we brought in Jaco Peyper to assist us to keep up to date with the laws of the game, so know we are on the right track,” said Nienaber.
