'It’s easy to talk now': Rassie Erasmus speaks after Bok alignment camp

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has said he is “happy” with the Springboks’ latest alignment camp, but said the fruits of the camp will only be clear once the team plays.

The Springboks assembled for their second in-person alignment camp of the year this week in Cape Town, with 40 players meeting from Tuesday to Thursday this week.

The squad was only comprised of players from South Africa’s four United Rugby Championship sides, taking advantage of a free week with no teams competing in either the Investec Champions Cup or Challenge Cup finals. While the season is now over for players from the Sharks, those from the Stormers, Bulls and Lions will return for the URC play-offs.

With 10 uncapped players in the cohort, Erasmus said the focus was bringing the newcomers up to speed with the Bok environment, adding that “most” goals were achieved.

Once the season ends, South African players will switch their attention to the green jersey, with a clash against the Barbarians in June, followed by a visit from England on July 4 to Johannesburg in the first Test of the year.

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“Every year after an alignment camp, we say we are happy with where we are currently, but I guess it will only be clear when we start playing,” said Erasmus.

“What we’ve tried to introduce with the alignment camps was to bring in young players who haven’t been part of our system, and others who have only been to one or two camps, so in that sense, the players are starting to feel more comfortable. They also got the opportunity to know the coaches and a little more about the structures.

“There were also injured players who were not in attendance, and some guys who attended virtually, so there were different goals, but we believe most of them were achieved. That said, it’s easy to talk now. Obviously, it has to translate onto the field.

“I think there have been more than 60 players in the two alignment camps, so in terms of spreading the net and ensuring that everyone received a fair start, we feel that has been done.

“Then there are the on-field aspects, where some guys may still be playing, and others will be flying in from abroad. In general, however, I think we are in a good place as a group, and everyone knows what we expect of each other when we start training.”