September 21, 12:02IOL

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks team relax in Perth ahead of Australia match

Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff spent time in Perth to relax before the upcoming test match against the Wallabies on Sunday.

Despite the next match against Australia looming, Rassie Erasmus and his management were not in a hurry to return to serious rugby training. After an intense series of matches against the All Blacks, which the world champions won 3-1, Erasmus and his assistants decided to take a break in Perth to recover and celebrate the impressive series victory.

For the group, beach relaxation, barbecues (braais), listening to Afrikaans music, and a sense of camaraderie served as ideal ways to unwind. Although the team's focus is now on the confrontation on Sunday at Optus Stadium in Perth (match starts at 11:45 South African time) against the Australians, the Springboks coaching staff used the weekend to its fullest productivity.

Scrum coach Daan Human oversaw the preparation of the barbecue, while another team member attempted to embrace Australian life on a paddleboard. However, this did not go entirely smoothly, as he unexpectedly fell into the water. Erasmus, who never misses a chance to laugh, shared a video of the moment with the caption: 'Some of us remain South Africans, others try to become locals in a foreign country.'

There were many reasons to celebrate after the Springboks achieved a triumph in the 3-1 series against New Zealand in their historic four-match showdown. Nevertheless, the rugby break was short; the coaches have already begun planning for the next success against the Southern Hemisphere team following victories over Argentina and the Kiwis this year. The Boks squad is preparing for a new physical challenge when they meet the Wallabies.

Erasmus plans to announce his squad on Tuesday, with some changes expected. For their part, Australia hopes to spoil the South Africans' celebration and derail their current momentum. The unusual Sunday start to the match for the South Africans is positioned as a major sporting event in Perth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and the match will receive prime time coverage in Australia, while also considering international broadcasting windows. Thus, instead of the traditional Saturday barbecue, South African fans will be able to light fires until noon on Sunday before the game begins.

All sources

Springboks coaching staff rested in Perth before the match against the Wallabies

Similar stories

www.aajtak.inSeptember 21, 12:15

Australian women's team captain denies rumors of personal relationships between players

The captain of the Australian women's team, Sophie Molinks, commented for the first time on rumors concerning the relationship between players Ashley Gardner and Georgia Wall. Despite active discussions about this relationship, Molinks emphasized that the priority for the Australian team remains focusing on cricket and maintaining a strong team atmosphere.

According to Sophie Molinks, Ashley Gardner and Georgia Wall are experienced and outstanding athletes. She is confident that both players have the ability to handle the attention they receive on the field and maintain concentration on the game. It should be noted that Ashley Gardner was previously in a relationship with Monica Wright, which ended. Wright claimed that the breakup occurred due to an alleged romance between Gardner and Georgia Wall.

Molinks assured that the team will support Ashley Gardner and Georgia Wall just like the other players. She believes that what is most important for the team are the players' results, a strong team culture, and a positive environment. In an interview with Code Sports, Molinks stated: 'I think they will be able to deliver results. They are brilliant players, and there will be no changes in the team. We will support them just as we support each other. For us, the most important things are the result, strong culture, and good atmosphere.'

Following their victory in the T20 Cup, Australia is preparing for its domestic season. The Australian women's team won the title by defeating England in the final. Now Australia faces the task of playing a three-match ODI series against the Bangladesh women's team. All three matches of the series will take place at Alan Border Field in Brisbane.

The schedule for the Australia-Bangladesh series is as follows: the first ODI will take place on October 9th, the second ODI on October 11th, and the third ODI on October 14th.

iol.co.zaSeptember 18, 08:35

Test match between Springboks and Wallabies in Perth seen as preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup playoffs

The upcoming test match between the Springboks and the Wallabies in Perth provides the Springboks team with an opportunity to conduct practical training ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup playoffs.

Despite the immediate goal of winning away against the Wallabies, the coaching staff under Rassie Erasmus is already analyzing all logistical and game details in anticipation of defending the title next year in Australia.

The Springboks are scheduled to return to this venue in October 2027, where they will face Romania in the third group match of the World Cup, making this test match a strategic operational rehearsal.

The group match itself is expected to be predetermined, as the Boks are likely to easily defeat the Romanian team. However, it is the first playoff match in Perth that will command the full attention of the Springboks.

Since the Springboks are likely to finish first in Group B, they will face the best team that finished third in Groups D, E, or F in the Round of 16. Siya Kolisi's team is expected to meet one of the teams from Japan, Samoa, or Tonga in this match before a possible quarter-final clash against their long-time rivals, the All Blacks.

Playing in Perth next Saturday allows the Boks to adapt in advance to the specific environmental conditions and logistical features of the city. Furthermore, Western Australia has a large South African community, and the upcoming match will give the Boks insight into the loud support in 'Perthfontein' that they might expect in 2027.

When South Africa meets Romania next year, as well as whoever awaits them in the Round of 16, the opponents may differ, but the environment will remain the same. By conducting rehearsals at the stadium, hotels, and training facilities now, Erasmus ensures that his team eliminates unknown variables, striving to reach peak form by the start of the main World Cup stage.

In the World Cup campaign, where success is determined by minor advantages, this early reconnaissance in Perth could prove to be a subtle yet decisive edge.