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Boks still planning for Scotland in July

rugby08 April 2020 14:39| © SuperSport
By:Brenden Nel
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Siya Kolisi © Getty Images

Even though the scenario may be unlikely given the impact of the coronavirus on sports around the world, the Springboks are still continuing their planning as if they will face Scotland on the 4th of July, Bok coach Jacques Nienaber has said.

Nienaber was appointed earlier this year and has not been in charge of a test match yet and with the virus causing the suspension of rugby across the globe, things have become challenging for the Bok management with regards to their planning for the season.

"The tough part is not knowing when it is going to start because like most people we are creatures of habit. We want to know when we can start working with players, sharing clips on Scotland," Nienaber admitted.

"Our whole coaching plan is rolled out in four blocks. There are dates for each block. Currently we can do block one and two, but we can't do block three where you start focusing on the opposition and who you are going to play.

"You don't want to get onto the players too early and share information that they won't use until perhaps September. You don't want to actually give them Stuart Hogg's aerial profile in April if they are going to only use it in September. Then it is useless information."

Despite this, Nienaber believes they need to continue as per normal until the time they find out exactly what the future plans are.

'WE WILL ADAPT'

"We have a plan and we have had a plan all along. For me the frustrating part is not being able to coach – which would have started in July. The only coaching I've done is during the franchise visits. That is the bad part, you are off the training field.

"From a national perspective, we are preparing as if everything will start on the 4th of July. Nothing has been cancelled, so in our frame of mind we are preparing for that. As information comes through, we will then adapt to that.

"The fact of the matter is that in my head we are playing on the 4th of July and we are preparing for that. The moment they come and say July test matches are postponed, we will adapt."

Nienaber is as in the dark as most of the public for now, and is waiting for World Rugby and the administrators to give the green light when to restart the game. To be adaptable is key in these times.

"I think we get drip fed as Jurie (Roux) gets the information. I think like in all organisations your pay grade determines when and how you get the information. The main thing that people have told us is – until World Rugby makes a call, we go on as if nothing has happened.

"That is what we are doing, we are preparing for that. We are making plans – there is a lot of speculation but we can only go on facts."

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