ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Neinaber asks fans to get behind the national side

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Wednesday Jul 19, 2023

Following New Zealand’s comprehensive victory over South Africa at the weekend, Springbok Head Coach Jacques Nienaber has reassembled with his players in Pretoria to prepare ahead of their important match-up against Argentina on the 29th of July. This will be an important challenge for the South Africans after their air of invincibility was given a severe knock by a New Zealand side with the bit between their teeth.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a statement, Nienaber told the media that his team is resetting and re-preparing in the right way: “We have a settled squad, and everyone is determined to get back to action and to bounce back following the result against New Zealand,

“We are bitterly disappointed about the defeat, but we’ll take the lessons from that match and implement that as we look forward to our final match in the competition” added Nienaber.

Keen to emphasise what an important impact the South African fans have, Nienaber asked their followers to get behind the national side at such an important time

“Playing such a vital match in front of our supporters is always special,” said Nienaber. “This match may not only be the decider of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, but it’s also the last match we play at home before the World Cup.

“That passionate support almost serves as an extra player for us, so we’d like to appeal to SA’s rugby faithful to come out in their green and gold and make this a memorable send-off for us.”

Argentina will not be an easy challenge, however, especially after dismantling an Australian side last week that are struggling with a sense of identity. Identity is not a problem for the Springboks, however, with their game plan having been worked on and moulded over the years – they know exactly who they are.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nienaber’s side have an incredible number of players that can slip into each position at any given moment without any real noticeable dip in quality. This gives the Head Coach plenty of options, but also the unenviable task of choosing the right lineup ahead of this year’s World Cup.

“One of the boxes we ticked in the last two weeks was to work on our player load” explained Nienaber. “Getting that balance right is going to be vital so that we can peak at the right time this season.

“We have a sizeable squad, and we need to ensure that we give as many players as possible the chance to stake a claim for places in the World Cup squad, while at the same time getting the desired results so that we can build momentum going into the World Cup.”

Nienaber added: “We have four matches left before the international showpiece and we are still in the race for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title so we intend getting down to business immediately and making the most of the time we have on and off the training field to get the squad where we would like them to be mentally and physically.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The match is likely to see a mix of styles with the hard-hitting South Africa likely to take the game to an Argentinian side that prosper from open-play rugby. Not one to rest on their laurels, South Africa will most likely come out strong and look to prove any doubters wrong with an impressive performance.

Related Articles

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Bristol Bears break 20-year record with victory...

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks star Jordie Barrett discusses...

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Gloucester's next 'Rees-Zammit' scores incredible...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 96 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

View All