Springboks star reveals ‘big focus’ area ahead of second Wallabies Test
Springbok Marco van Staden during the World Cup 2023.
Despite starting their Rugby Championship campaign on a positive note against Australia, South Africa still have plenty of room for improvement and aim to do that in Saturday’s rematch in Perth.
That was the word from Springboks back-row Marco van Staden who identified their breakdown play as an area of concern for the world champions struggled in that facet of play in their previous clash with the Wallabies in Brisbane last week.
Earlier this week, Springboks assistant coach Duane Vermeulen spoke about their breakdown work as an area which needs improvement after they conceded some penalties in that facet of play in last week’s clash with the Wallabies and Van Staden echoed his sentiments.
The Bulls stalwart revealed that their breakdown work is an area of concern which the Boks have paid special attention to in the build-up to this weekend’s highly anticipated encounter with Australia.
‘Big focus on that area of the game’
“There has been a big focus on that area of the game this week and to correct the wrongs of last week,” said Van Staden. “We’ve been working on trying to control what we can and to ensure that we are ready for whatever they throw at us in that department.”
The Bulls stalwart dismissed suggestions that the 10 alterations made to the Springbok run-on side by head coach Rassie Erasmus would disrupt South Africa’s momentum.
Erasmus is trying to strike a balance between his side’s excellent form – which has seen them winning 17 of their previous 20 Tests – and building depth in his squad ahead of their Rugby World Cup title defence in Australia in 2024.
Van Staden is amongst several World Cup winners named in the Boks’ starting line-up alongside several talented young players.
He is confident the inexperienced players will give a good account of themselves against the Wallabies.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a disruption,” added Van Staden. “I don’t think this team needs any more motivation than we currently have for this match.
“All of us want to use this opportunity, and we took a lot of confidence from training this week. The intensity was really up there, and we want to take that energy into the game.”
Strong Bulls contingent in Bok pack
The Bulls have several forwards in the Springboks’ starting pack for Saturday’s clash against Australia.
They are: Van Staden, Elrigh Louw (number eight), Ruan Nortje (lock), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop) and Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and the 28-year-old tearaway is looking forward to being in the company of some familiar faces.
Many of us have played together quite often at the Bulls), which certainly gives us confidence,” said Van Staden. “We’ve been working together well at training (in the Bok camp too), so we are excited about this opportunity.”
