The Springboks are currently busy with a 4-day training camp at Hyde Park High School, where the squad of 29 will be whittled down to 24 on Friday.

The latest news is that John Smit sat out during training yesterday, donned in his tracksuit but not taking part in actual training. He does not seem to be carrying an injury though and it is thought that he was just rested.

There was an interesting “Observer” at the training session, none other than the maestro Fourie du Preez, who although not invited to the camp as a participant due to his ongoing rehabilitation from a shoulder operation, is probably there to give some tactical insight into the position of scrumhalf, a position which has been a clear weakness during the Test matches this season.

Heinrich Brüssow, also watching on the sidelines, and part of the invited group is not expected to feature in the Tri-Nations and is only expected to make his return to the playing field towards the end of the Currie Cup.

Spirits in the Bokke group seemed boyed and Juan Smith and JP Pietersen showed some verve and clear interest and brought valuable energy to the camp.

Coach Peter De Villiers said he was glad his diciplinery hearing is behind him and that the result favoured him. He said that was enough on the matter and that it won’t be spoken of again. Well done Peter, that is how you should handle the media… short and curt, and correctly.

News on the Francois Steyn front is that full results of his scans are expected later today (Wednesday) but early indications are that he is ready for battle and could join the Bokke on Thursday (tomorrow). The general expectation is that Frans Steyn will be called on to slot in, in place of Zane Kirshner for the remaining Tri-Nations matches and it is likely that Zane will be released to play for the Blue Bulls, possibly as early as for this weekend’s clash against WP.

Another player who is expected to be released back to his province is Dewald Potgieter, in light of the return of Juan Smith.

In Bokke related news, Jean de Villiers apparently got hitched (married) last Saturday in Cape Town and is currently on his honeymoon…. and expected to join the Bokke next week.

With the Bokke squad due to be cut on Friday, early speculation is that 3 hookers will be retained, John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis and Chiliboy Rallepele. Jaque Fourie is still serving his suspension and won’t be eligible for the clash at the Calabash against the All Blacks and it is unclear whether he’ll be sent home to rest up, to be ready for the match at Loftus on 28 August.

WP and Stormers defensive coach, Jacques Nienaber, has also been called into the broader Bokke mix to assist with defensive preparation of the team, something which should probably have been done about 8 weeks ago already, as this has been one of the aspects where the Springboks lacked in execution most during the Tri-Nations thus far.

Earnest preparation for the meeting with the All Blacks starts on Sunday 15 August.

Goooooooooo Bokke!