There was a buzz at Loftus today as thousands gathered to watch the afternoon open practice session on Loftus main field. Fathers, mothers and heaps and heaps of children attended to watch Heyneke Meyer’s squad of 30 go through their paces. My son, BonzaiGBS, was our resident photographer and took hundreds of photographs.

There’s some good news and some bad news, I’m wondering which you want to hear first….

Well, to keep the suspence, I’ll start with the bad news!

7 Springbok players of the 30-man squad did not take part in training today… well 5 actually, with 2 players taking part for only a very short duration.

3 Of the Springbok squad who were involved in Currie Cup action this past weekend were sidelined with niggles. Coenie Oosthuizen who played 35 minutes in the Free State Cheetahs loss to the Blue Bulls on Saturday told this web site that he was generally stiff and a bit uncomfortable but should be ready in the week. Lwazi Mvovo had his slops on and was clearly uncomfortable due to a hamstring problem but the Springbok doctor was sure it was just a niggle.

Jacques Potgieter took limited part in training before pulling up with a groin strain which he already felt after the Blue Bulls game.

3 Springboks not involved in the Currie Cup also did not train at all, namely Flip van der Merwe who apparently has a slight calf strain, Francois Steyn who rolled an ankle in the first 5 minutes of the morning training session and who sported crutches but he should be OK to go on Saturday after scans indicated no real concern. Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira was absent from training. apparently suffering from flu.

Now for the biggie…. Johan Goosen… he took limited part in training, barefoot, sporting a left heel injury (the foot he has to plant when kicking at goal and not the golden kicking foot), whereafter his foot was strapped up to some or other machine, probably intentioned to massage the foot and to keep swelling at a minimum.

Now for the good news…. the other Springboks were on fire and the team spirit is quite evident, lots of on-field communication, and lots of dedication evident… the moves coming off like a dream.

Heyneke Meyer spoke to the number of journalists out there and he was positive and happy.

Of course the first questions one would expect from a flee-bag bunch of journalists, would be regarding Morné Steyn… and on one such question regarding why Morné Steyn was not left out of the squad in total following Heyneke Meyer’s contention after the All Blacks Test that he needs rest, an interesting answer was given indeed. If Morné had been left out of the squad it would simply have meant that he was immediately available for Currie Cup duty, which would then of course mean he would not get any rest and would surely be played. The suggestion was made by Heyneke Meyer that he would get more rest at the Springboks, should he not be chosen to play in the next two Tests. Take that as you may, but to me it indicates that Morné Steyn might just be rested this weekend or sit on the bench…. if Johan Goosen’s heel injury is not deemed an impediment to him starting and playing. Am I reading too much in a statement like that?

It is clear that the team and coaching staff are happy to be back in South Africa and it is also clear that they all feel that there is movement in the right direction.

Jaco Taute was running in Francois Steyn’s place at inside centre during training, although it must be said that it is extremely hard to gather who would be starters for Saturday, as the players were interchanged regulary with one another.

Shortly before the end of practice Ruan Pienaar and a minute or two later Jannie du Plessis, joined the rest of the Old Grey sick report squad on the sidelines, with no less than 5 Old Grey’s (former learners of Grey College in Bloemfontein) sitting out the end of practice… Francois Steyn, Jannie du Plessis, Ruan Pienaar, Coenie Oosthuizen and of course Johan Goosen.

During the signing session afterwards, Jean de Villiers had an ice pack strapped on, Jannie du Plessis sported 2 ice packs.

As is customary, the Springboks were ALL available for autographs and photographs with fans afterwards, and as is customary they were all friendly and down to earth with all the requests for their prized sigantures on caps, jerseys, hats, T-shirts… one lady in a wheel chair even presented her broken leg’s cast to be signed by all and sundry.

These Springboks proudly represent their Country and they are doing it with dignity and grace…. I will keep supporting such a lot of fabulous sportsmen!

Will see if I can select a number of photographs, taken by our photographer to add to this Article, a bit later.

Gooooooooo Springboks!