“Regardless of who we play, it is a big game in a Springbok jersey”

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Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids says the national team dare not take it easy against Portugal when the two teams meet in the test arena for the very first time.

The Springboks are in Bloemfontein preparing for a historic test match against Portugal on Saturday.

Without disrespecting Portugal, the Springboks say they have already earmarked this fixture to work on the depth in their squad.

Davids says the green and gold has a proud tradition of giving young talent a chance at international level, and he hopes to expand that philosophy to more positions.

“We also think about our youngsters … up until now that we have given opportunities in the past couple of years . The Arendse, the Modie, Manie, Sacha all of those guys that just stepped into certain positions we would like to see that in more positions.”

“I think that will grow our game and grow our depth and it will allow us to be much more competitive and stay competitive for longer periods of time,” adds Davids.

 A department that continues to be the envy of world rugby, the Springbok scrum, is not short on up and coming talent.

The latest being the likes of Ntuthuko Mchunu of the Sharks, and Mchunu, whose first cap came some two years ago, intends on taking his opportunity if he gets the nod.

“Anyone who gets an opportunity to play in the Springbok jersey really goes out to make the most of it. A lot of growth has happened in the past two years. Looking forward to this weekend. It is another big game. I don’t think regardless of who we play, it is a big game in a Springbok jersey.”

The #Springboks are determined to bounce back strongly against Portugal on Saturday – more here: https://t.co/teM6tobUjT 🗣#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/m8TRaBHJNP

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 15, 2024