Bok trio cleared to play

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has declared Eben Etzebeth, Uzair Cassiem and Coenie Oosthuizen are fit and available to face Ireland this Saturday.

Etzebeth, who sustained an ankle niggle during a recent training camp, has been passed fit lead the Boks against Ireland in the first of four Tests on tour, which also includes matches against France, Italy and Wales.

‘Eben did limited training with the team when they arrived in Dublin on Saturday,’ said the Bok coach.

‘He will be taking full part in training this afternoon. I have no concerns about him whatsoever and he will be fit to lead the team against Ireland.

‘Uzair Cassiem came through contact training without any problems,’ added Coetzee.

‘Coenie Oosthuizen is 100% ready. From a wellness point of view, we are in very good shape.’

Coetzee also explained the Springboks’ approach towards the coming month-long tour: “Our mindset is that it’s not the end of year tour – this tour is about making sure we improve as a group and keep on growing as a team, while also staying on course with our 2019 plan.

“This is an important tour for us and our standard of play has to be at the level of our last match against New Zealand in Cape Town,” said Coetzee.

The Bok coach also spoke very highly of the Irish side: “They are really a top-class side with an experienced coaching team and quality players. There is no doubt we have to be at our best on Saturday.

“Our ability to adapt to the conditions, and how we want to play, will be tested. I know that up here (northern hemisphere) there will be many contests, and the arial bombardment will be one it.

“In that respect Ireland have a great weapon in their halfback pair as both are prolific kickers, and as a combination, they are world-class. It will be important to win the many small battles and our focus will be to improve execution in all departments,” said the Springbok coach.