Rugby: Former Springbok Breyton Paulse Suggests South Africa ‘Probably Won’t Play’ Rugby Championship

The Rugby Championship could be forced to go ahead without the best team in the world.

Sanzaar revealed earlier this week that Australia will host the tournament, which begins in early November. However, the announcement soon became a source of new doubts about whether or not the Springboks would be ready to compete.

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Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber recently suggested that his players need at least six weeks of soccer to get in shape for international rugby, yet it seems unlikely that they will be able to play in South Africa until late September or early October.

If the Springboks were to compete in the proposed Championship from November 7 to December 12, they would have to leave South Africa by October 18.

Talking to Newstalk ZBMartin Devlin, former Springboks wing Breyton Paulse, said he doubted the World Cup champions were ready to compete.

“I don’t think it will benefit the Boks, because of how little time most of those players will have to prepare them mentally and physically,” Paulse said.

“I can tell you now, South Africa at the moment things are really quiet, and I have a feeling that, unfortunately, I don’t think South Africa is going to participate in that. That is my opinion, but in South Africa at the moment it does not seem that it will go. to play.

“The guys are not fit enough; obviously they will need a couple of weeks and they will probably have two or three weeks to prepare for that tournament. It will be high intensity and it is the nature of the beast.”

“Things are a bit complicated at the moment from a South African perspective, so I don’t think it suits them right now. So, although nothing has been confirmed, in my opinion, I don’t think the Boks will take part in that. competition unfortunately.

“The feeling you have when you talk to some of the managers, they will not be physically or mentally prepared for the tournament. And as a world champion team, you want to go out and be the best you can, I want to be competitive. But the feeling I have of the Guys is that the Boks probably won’t take part. “

Since the competition takes place in Australia, there have been suggestions that some All Blacks might choose not to travel to play.

After naming his 35-man first team last Sunday, All Blacks coach Ian Foster will significantly increase that number by up to 11 more players before venturing to Australia. All players will be given the option to opt out of the Rugby Championship, given the time they spend away from their family.

“We want to make sure that whoever represents the All Blacks does so in a safe environment where they feel happy and comfortable. Some of those conversations started today with an understanding of where players and management align with their different circumstances.” said the New Zealand Rugby boss. Executive Mark Robinson said.

“We are extremely supportive of our players. We know they have been through an incredibly difficult time this year. This challenge of what they are about to undertake will be significant and we will support them and their families in whatever way we need to to ensure.” Are served. If that means they can’t meet or travel, we will listen and support you. “