Erasmus focuses on expanding skills as Springboks wrap up alignment camp

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has emphasised the importance of skill-sharing and squad cohesion as South Africa's first alignment camp of the year came to a close.

Following two days of intensive gym and boardroom sessions in Cape Town, Erasmus expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, particularly in integrating both young and experienced players.

“The purpose of the alignment camps is to get everyone on the same page about what the year looks like, to set our goals, and to delve into what we are expecting from the players, while also reminding them of a few things we do on and off the field,” Erasmus explained.

The sessions followed a productive coaches’ workshop over the weekend and focused on refining the team’s broader approach. Beyond coaching, the discussions extended to operational logistics, medical and technical aspects, and media relations. Erasmus emphasized that a successful Test match performance is the result of all these elements working in harmony.

A Cohesive Squad Approach

A key takeaway from the camp was the synergy between younger and senior players. Erasmus underscored the importance of fostering a learning environment where veterans share their knowledge to ensure a strong and adaptable squad.

“The so-called older players understand that in order to prolong their careers, they’ll have to transfer knowledge to the younger guys, and at the same time, the younger guys know the door is open to work their way into the matchday 23,” he said.

With Springbok alignment camps for overseas-based players set to begin next week, Erasmus stressed that the national team will not rely on a fixed squad of 23 or 25 players throughout the season. Instead, the squad will remain fluid, with young players continuously vying for spots and bringing fresh perspectives to the team.

“It’s 12 weeks until we get together again, and from a camp perspective, I think the guys really interacted well,” Erasmus noted, indicating that the foundation for the season had been effectively laid.

Maximising Expertise Within the Squad

Erasmus also highlighted his plan to leverage the diverse expertise within the squad and management team to optimise performance. He mentioned that rather than strictly categorising staff into specific roles, the Springboks will take a more collaborative approach to maximise everyone’s contributions.

“Felix (Jones) is a great example of that. He supports and works with all the coaches and is also helping on the technical side. We know him very well, and he gels really well with the players and management,” Erasmus explained.

Other key additions include Robyn Moore (dietician), Lance Lemmetjies (physiotherapist), and Jaco Peyper, who has transitioned into the role of Laws and Discipline Advisor. Erasmus highlighted Peyper’s unique combination of refereeing experience and legal expertise as an asset in both understanding the game’s laws and improving communication within the team.

Sebastian Prim (sports scientist) is another individual who will take on a broader role beyond assisting Andy Edwards (head of athletic performance), ensuring that the team taps into all available resources.

“This year we will really try to bring out those skills and use every bit of experience and energy each person has,” Erasmus stated.

With alignment camps concluding, the Springboks have taken a significant step in their preparation for the season ahead. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, skill-sharing, and adaptability, Erasmus and his management team are setting the foundation for another competitive year in international rugby.