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Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids said on Sunday the team was determined to make a major step up when they line up against Georgia in their second Test at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Friday.
The team kicked off their 2021 international season with a 40-9 victory against Georgia at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night following a 20-month absence from international rugby, and while Davids was pleased to start the season on a winning note, he admitted they had to improve to reach their desired level of play.
On the injury front, Davids said there was a small chance that RG Snyman (lock) would be involved in the Castle Lager Lions Series after he returned to Ireland for a skin graft after suffering burns last month, while Eben Etzebeth is being monitored by the Bok medical team after leaving the field against Georgia last Friday with a rib injury.
Commenting on Snyman and Etzebeth’s injuries, Davids said: “RG had to have a skin graft and he’ll go through his rehabilitation, so we will receive medical updates as he recovers. At the moment there is a small chance that he will be part of the Castle Lager Lions Series, but he will definitely be part of the Tests for the rest of the year.”
Of Etzebeth’s injury, he said: “Eben picked up a rib injury on Friday, and the medical team will continue to assess him over the next day or two, and then the head coach (Jacques Nienaber) will make a decision on his availability for the weekend.”
The Springboks started their week on Sunday for the upcoming Test against Georgia with a video session followed by a field session, and Davids said there was a deep desire within the squad to raise the quality of their performance.
“The players as individuals had a look at their game and what they can do better, and we had a good talk this morning on the areas of the game which we can improve on,” said Davids. “And we are confident that the players who will play on Friday will do so.
“We were slow out of the blocks at the start against Georgia (last Friday) but as the game progressed, we became more physical and the players knew what they had to do better.
“That said, it was our first outing as a team in a long time. We have another match next week and we have time to improve.
“I am confident we will get there for the Castle Lager Lions Series.”
On a personal note, Davids enjoyed the experience of being part of his first Test as a Springbok assistant coach last week and said: “It’s been quite a journey, and it was a humbling experience.
“There was a little bit of nervousness, but that together with the experience and excitement is something I really enjoyed.
“I embraced the whole day from start to end, and I am happy that we got the win.”