As the squads completed their final training ahead of tomorrow’s fixtures at Rustenburg High School, some of the players from the first team and the development squad nicknamed ‘The Dogs’ have offered their thoughts on their prospects and their views of tour life on and off the pitch.
On tomorrow’s game at Rustenburg:
Dan G, 1st team captain: “We’re looking forward to it. The lads have trained well. We’ll be up for the challenge. We know what we need to do. We know they’ll be big around the rucks so we need to be physical and I think the lads will be up to it.”
Jack A, 1st team full-back: “Our team is looking good. It’s probably going to be a tough game but we’ll be ready for it.”
Philip P, development squad: “The dogs have worked hard; put in a great effort. Some of the lads even stayed out after the floodlights were turned off last night. They were just going at it, going at it which showed real dedication. We’re expecting some hard, hard tackles.”
Danny H, development squad: “It’s definitely going to be difficult a game but we’ve got the dedication and commitment to make a good effort in it. You can certainly see the ferocity in a lot of us. We’re really keen on it. I think it will be a good hard match.”
On staying at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria
Dan G: “There’s a new environment and good facilities so everyone’s excited.”
Jack A: “The training facilities are really good and the pitches good to train on.”
Philip P: “It’s awesome. Free access to the gym all day – I went there earlier for a warm-up before training. I’m just waiting for the pool to open so I can have a dip in there.”
Danny H: “It’s a great place for practising and going to the gym. A few of the team have been enjoying playing some volleyball.”
Tour life off the pitch
Jack A: “I enjoyed the stadium tour to Loftus Versfeld. It was good to see the (Blue Bulls) players training and to meet them .”
Danny H: “There’s a good, general fun and social aspect which I’m really enjoying.”