Junior Boks determined to reach next level after earning high praise from Erasmus

The Boks wrapped up their two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg on Thursday, continuing their preparations for the Rugby Championship - and the three Junior Bok stars were along for the ride.

Rassie Erasmus invited the trio with an eye towards building squad depth and nurturing young talent for the future, and the experiment appears to have been a resounding success.

"It was fantastic to have Bathobele, Cheswill, and Haashim with us, and it was impressive to see their enthusiasm and the way they grabbed the opportunity with both hands on and off the field," said the Bok coach.

"We were very pleased with the way they slotted into the training sessions and used the time to interact with the Springbok players and learn from them, even though we made it clear that there was no pressure on them to grasp all our structures and systems. It was rather an opportunity for them to experience how we operate in the team and to expose them to what is required to perform at this level, and they certainly embraced the opportunity.

"It was good to see how they took the time to understand our structures, and how they used this chance to engage with the players on a one-on-one basis."

Erasmus added: "They all have bright futures, and we hope the experience they gained, and the lessons learned will set them in good stead, as they look to further develop their careers and strive to reach this level in the coming years."

Reflecting on the experience, the three Junior Boks said it had inspired them to keep pushing themselves and reach the next level in the game.

"The past two weeks with the Boks have been incredible," said Cheswill Jooste, who still played for the SA U18s last year.

"As a Junior Bok, it was a privilege to be among the best, and although it was tough, I learned a lot. 

"It was particularly memorable for me to be inspired and motivated by the players I look up to and who are already where I'd like to be."

Star scrumhalf Haashim Pead echoed these sentiments and said the experience had been "amazing".

"I've learnt valuable lessons, and the experience I gained will truly go a long way.

"Thanks to the coaches and players. I believe I have grown in the last two weeks, and with these high standards, it definitely motivated me to give my absolute best so that I can reach the level they are at."

Batho Hlekani cherished every moment of the camp, and thanked the Springboks for the opportunity.

"It was very special, and I learned a lot from the forwards as well as the coaching staff," said the bulldozing flanker.

"The last two weeks have allowed me to improve the techniques I was lacking in, and the intensity of the training sessions were very high, which was great for us.

"I'll definitely take what I learned and use it to improve my game, and hopefully we'll get another opportunity like this in future. I'm going to keep pushing, stay hungry, and hopefully one day I'll be part of this squad."

The Springboks returned home on Thursday afternoon to spend time with their families before reassembling in Johannesburg on Sunday.

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