Springboks Hit the Road Running in Washington

The Springbok tour group arrived in Washington DC on Thursday morning (local time) and went immediately into their preparation routine for Saturday’s Test against Wales at the RFK Stadium.

The once-off international in the United States capital kicks off a busy month for the South Africans, who also clash with England over the course of three successive weeks in the highly anticipated Castle Lager Incoming Series.

Aled Walters, the Springboks’ Head of Athletic Performance – who happens to be Welsh! –  put the 26-man group through various mobility and movement drills to ensure the players’ bodies recuperate sufficiently after travelling to the US from South Africa.

Walters insists his allegiance will be with the Springboks and told the BBC: “”On Saturday I’ll give my all for South Africa and I really hope we give Wales a good stuffing.”

After lunch and a short resting period, the Springbok squad headed over to the nearby Trinity University where they conducted an open training session, witnessed by a group of enthusiastic local supporters.

Earlier, the team arrived to a warm welcome at the Washington Dulles International Airport, where they were greeted by Bok fans and personnel from the South African Embassy.

The entire squad and management wore commemorative Madiba t-shirts to commemorate the 100 year anniversary celebrations of the former SA President Nelson Mandela.

Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks for the first time on Saturday when he leads the South African side – sporting seven new caps and a further six uncapped players on the bench – into battle against Wales.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby Union.