Springboks scrumhalf bullish about upcoming challenges

Grant Williams says the Springboks would take a few positives from their humbling defeat against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday as they look to bounce back against Argentina at Ellis Park in two weeks’ time.

The Springboks’ hopes of building on their strong start to the competition against Australia were dashed at the Mount Smart Stadium as New Zealand started with a flurry to build up a 20-3 halftime lead, which paved the way for their 35-20 victory.

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South Africa will take on Michael Cheek’s high-flying Argentina in two consecutive Tests over the next three weeks. The first clash will be both sides’ final Rugby Championship game on 29 July, followed by another encounter which will serve as a World Cup warm-up clash in Buenos Aires on 5 August.

Thereafter, the Springboks will play two more World Cup warm-ups against Wales in Cardiff (Saturday 19 August) and the All Blacks in London (Friday 25 August) before heading to France for their Webb Ellis Cup defence.

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DEFIANT WILLIAMS CONFIDENT SPRINGBOKS WILL BOUNCE BACK

In the aftermath of the Springboks’ defeat against the All Blacks, Williams — who replaced Faf de Klerk in the 53rd minute — said: “Personally I think we could have been better in the aerial battle. It’s something they made changes to in their game. But as a team we’ll take the positives that we can from the match and build on that.”

The defeat may have left the Springboks and their fans disappointed, but Williams said it was an honour to be part of the squad and that he was soaking up as much as possible.

“I joined the Boks in 2021, so I’ve been part of the set-up for a little while,” said Williams. “I’m really enjoying it and I’m learning a lot.”

Asked what the recipe was for him to slot into the team so seamlessly, despite being one of the youngsters in the squad, Williams said: “The backing from the team management and the guys around me is fantastic and it makes it easy for us as players.”

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