Springboks reveal ‘new plans’ in the works after ‘special win’ over Wallabies
Springboks lock Salmaan Moerat and back-row Kwagga Smith celebrate against the Wallabies.
After kicking off their 2024 Rugby Championship campaign with an outstanding bonus-point triumph over the Wallabies on Saturday, the Springboks have already turned their focus to the clash against the same opposition in Perth this week.
And while Bok second-row Salmaan Moerat admitted that the world champions realised the importance of the Round One result, he revealed that the team’s focus has already shifted to this weekend’s rematch with Australia.
Late addition to matchday squad
Moerat was a late addition to the Boks‘ matchday squad for Saturday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium after RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje were ruled out with foot and knee injuries respectively which they sustained at training.
“It takes a proper team effort to get a result like that and everyone made a contribution during the match,” said Moerat. “Defensively we were really desperate, and the scoreline showed that.
“It was a special win for us, but it’s now back to the drawing board because we have another big match coming up in Perth.”
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Although the Springboks sealed a convincing 33-7 victory in Brisbane, Moerat, who became the Springboks’ 66th skipper against Portugal last month, expects the Wallabies to show improvement in Perth.
‘We have to go back and make new plans’
“Joe Schmidt has brought a completely new dimension to the squad, so we have to go back and make new plans on Monday because it’s going to be another good spectacle next week,” added the 26-year-old.
Despite only coming onto the bench after those injuries to Snyman and Nortje, Moerat is not fazed that he was not initially in the matchday 23 and said each appearance for the Boks is one which he cherishes.
“It was unfortunate injuries to RG and Ruan, so I got the call at the last minute, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play – it’s really special to represent the country no matter what (the circumstances are).” added the former South Africa U20 skipper.
The Springboks arrived in Perth on Sunday and will begin their on-field preparations for Saturday’s rematch with the Wallabies on Monday.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus will name his matchday squad for that encounter on Tuesday.
