The Junior Springbok rugby team, currently on tour in Georgia, has faced a significant adjustment from the sweltering summer heat of Stellenbosch to the sub-zero temperatures of Tbilisi.
Dr Clement Plaatjies, the SA U20 team doctor, shared some insights into how the players have managed this transition.
“We expected inclement weather here, moving from plus 30 degrees to what it is now,” he said. “We anticipated lots of sniffles, colds, and potentially flu, especially with the shift from the southern to the northern hemisphere.”
To prepare, Dr Plaatjies packed the necessary medication and ensured the players used nasal spray on the plane to mitigate any respiratory issues. He also advised the players to avoid sitting in their rooms with the air conditioning running, as this could increase the risk of illness.
Instead, they were encouraged to turn off the air conditioning and ventilate their rooms for at least five minutes a day.
“We learned a lot during COVID, so practices like fist-pumping instead of handshakes and regular hand sanitizing have become the norm. Our base is also nicely isolated from large crowds, which helps,” he added.
The Junior Boks’ conditioning work in Stellenbosch has paid off, with only two moderate injuries reported after the first game against the Georgian U20s and last week’s live training session against a senior club side, and they are medically managed accordingly. The coaches have focused on fundamental skills to help mitigate injuries and encourage smart play.
Adjusting to the local diet has been another challenge, with a few players initially experiencing tummy issues. However, no one has missed training due to these adjustments. Hydration has also been tricky, as the extreme cold tends to reduce water intake. Interestingly, the team’s water bottles have been freezing, so they keep the water in fridges to maintain a warmer temperature than the outside air.
“With the boys adjusting well, eating properly, and staying hydrated, I think we’re doing well, thanks to the boys adhering to our medical and nutritional protocols,” Dr Plaatjies concluded.
The Junior Boks will complete their brief tour with a second and final international match against the Georgian U20 team on Friday.