SPRINGBOKS EXPECTING A FAST-PACED MATCH AT WEMBLEY

The Springboks kick off their end-of-year tour on Saturday with a clash against Japan at Wembley Stadium.

This London hybrid pitch promises a lightning-fast game. Known for its slick surface, the field is expected to encourage attacking rugby and plenty of running play from both sides.

Some of the Bok players who’ve been competing in Japan arrived in London early and even caught a rugby league match at Wembley to get a sense of the venue. They were struck by the size of the stadium and the quality of the pitch, which looks ideal for a free-flowing encounter.

Players who’ve featured in the United Rugby Championship or English Premiership are already used to hybrid surfaces, which should help the team adapt quickly.

The squad’s been together for nearly a week, getting valuable training time before the rest of the players joined up. That extra preparation could make a difference when the whistle blows.

Meanwhile, defence coach Jerry Flannery says the team’s focus this tour will be on balance, playing fast when it counts, and knowing when to tighten up.

“It’s about managing the tempo,” he explained.

“We want to stay in control of games and not let things turn chaotic like they sometimes did in the Rugby Championship.”

Image credit: Planet Rugby