The Springboks are bracing themselves for a massive forward battle against France at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Saturday in their second Castle Lager Outgoing Tour match.
Bok assistant coach Deon Davids, who fronted the media on Monday with tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, also reported that lock Lood de Jager’s shoulder injury ruled him out of contention for selection for this Test and that the coaches would have a clearer picture on his recovery time once they receive the results of his scans.
“We are disappointed in the result against Ireland, it was obviously not the result we wanted,” said Davids.
“We spoke about the match and the areas we have to improve on. We also had a good review of the set pieces. At times there were good things, and we laid a solid platform, but there are certainly things we must improve on.
“Over and above that we created opportunities on attack, but our decision-making let us down at times. Looking ahead, we are in for a big challenge this week against France. They are a good team they showed that with their victory against Australia last weekend.”
Both Malherbe and Davids spoke highly of the French pack of forwards with Malherbe saying: “They place a lot of emphasis on their scrum and set phases, so that is something we need to get right.
“We didn’t get the dominance we wanted against Ireland. But as a team we are now looking forward to the match against France, and our priority is to put plans in place to deliver a better performance.”
Davids shared his sentiments saying: “France have big and strong forwards, and they place a lot of emphasis on the set phases, so it’s going to be a big battle up front. We know we are in for a big challenge in the scrums and mauls, especially.”
Commenting on De Jager’s injury, Davids said: “Lood has a shoulder injury and won’t be available for selection this week. He went for scans on Monday, and we have to wait on the outcome the scan to determine the seriousness of the injury.”
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will announce his squad for the clash on Tuesday.
