The Springboks squad for the British and Irish Lions series was announced on monday, and the players got together in Johannesburg, minus the victorious Bulls players who have earnt a well deserved rest.
There are quite a few players recovering from injuries, but this camp will allow them to get back up to speed under expert medical guidance, and start focusing on the British and Irish Lions series. With the injuries and form of some of the Bulls players, there are going to be some hotly contested positions, mostly in the backs, so the players will be working hard trying to impress Div and gain selection for the first test in Durban on June 20!
The Boks, may not have the game preparation the Lions are receiving, but it’s significant that they are training at altitude whilst the Lions will be moving around from the highveld to sea level. The first test in Durban will be at sea level, but I suspect this will have a major bearing on the second and third tests which are both up on the highveld at our traditional strong hold grounds, Loftus and Ellis Park. It will be interesting as time unfolds to see just what plans Div has for his match day squad, i’m expecting a few surprises still to be announced!
