Tony Brown’s ‘feel for the game’ can expand Handré Pollard’s attacking repertoire for Springboks against Ireland

Even though they were interrupted by travel issues, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes his team are in the “right frame of mind” to tackle Ireland in next Saturday’s first Test at Loftus Versfeld.

The world champions had a satisfactory outing in the 41-13 victory over Wales in London last weekend, and were hoping to land back home on Monday to continue their preparations for the two-Test series against the Irish in Pretoria.

But their flight from Heathrow Airport was cancelled late on Sunday night, forcing them to spend the night at a hotel before leaving the UK capital on Monday.

Erasmus would have typically had a specific plan in place for the Tuesday, but that was disrupted by their late arrival. But following a session on the same day, two on Wednesday and a last one yesterday, the 39-man squad have been given some time off to be with their families before returning to Pretoria on Sunday.

Erasmus will name his match-23 on Tuesday, and will hope that the likes of Faf de Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe shake off their niggles sustained against Wales, which saw them being “managed” in training this week.

De Klerk in particular is the likely starting scrumhalf against Ireland, especially as Cobus Reinach was unavailable for the Welsh game as he is based in France, with the match being played outside the international window.

“We had a good and productive training week despite our flight from London to South Africa being cancelled on Sunday night, and it was pleasing to see how the players who joined us this week stepped back into Test mode and got stuck in at training,” Erasmus said yesterday.

“I believe we are in the right frame of mind for the challenge ahead against the world’s No 2-ranked team.

“We had a chance this week to analyse what we did well against Wales and the areas we need to put more emphasis on going into the Ireland Tests, and we were delighted with the professional manner in which the players made the mindset switch to the Incoming Series.

“Everyone knows that a big step-up is required next week, but we are pleased with the momentum we built up by defeating Wales and getting international game-time under the belt.

“Obviously with new members on our coaching staff, the overseas-based players and new recruits will have some work to do to ensure the entire group is fully aligned in terms of our new structures, but this week served as a good start in that process.”

Training Camp done, Ireland mode activated ✅ Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).