2LT National News

Cape Town – What can Springbok fans expect from the shortened version of the Rugby Championship leading up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan?

National coach Rassie Erasmus spoke exclusively to the official Springbok Online Magazine, and shared some of his views on the upcoming competition and says that, no matter what, the Springboks will need to be on top of their game.

Due to the Rugby World Cup in Japan this year, the Rugby Championship will now be a shortened version of the regular annual competition, which means the Springboks will only get to play three matches – one at home against Australia (July 20) and two away, against New Zealand (July 27) and Argentina (August 10) – instead of the regular six matches (three at home and three away).

“We have to be clear on what we want to achieve in all those games. It is a very demanding competition. Australia will come here and show that they are on the right track for the Rugby World Cup by performing well against us in an away game on the Highveld,” Erasmus said inside the digital publication.

“The All Blacks will be another massive challenge again in Wellington and the Pumas will be eager to repeat their success of last year over us when we meet again in Salta. Like all the teams at this stage, we also have a few plans, but the main aim is to win the competition.

“We still have to perform really well and make the home ground advantage count in the home match against the Wallabies, and then I’d say we have to be very competitive in our two away matches against the All Blacks and Pumas.”