Springbok Captain, Strauss: “We Simply Have to Improve”

Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss said he and his team-mates are looking forward to Saturday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test in Salta against Argentina, but cautioned that it could be a tough outing if they don’t show an improvement on the field.

The Boks beat the Pumas by 30-23 in Nelspruit last week, mainly courtesy of 17 unanswered points in the final 10 minutes after the visitors still led 23-13 late in the match.

Strauss said they have identified areas of improvement and need to implement that in Salta.

“We’ve had a great week in Buenos Aires and travelling here went well,” said Strauss.

“We also trained well but we know very well that we simply have to improve and fix the mistakes we made in Nelspruit last weekend.

“The Argentineans showed last weekend, but also last year at the World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, that they are a rugby force and they demand respect.

“They are a very passionate nation, especially at home, and we’re expecting a big onslaught, but at the same time we would like to lift our own standards. We are certainly looking forward to a great Test.”

The only change to the Boks’ starting team is at tighthead prop, where Vincent Koch will take over from the injured Julian Redelinghuys. On the bench, Morné Steyn will bring some much-needed experience, with Lourens Adriaanse coming into the void left by Koch’s elevation to the run-on side.

Source: SARugby.co.za