Springbok news: Burger sees value in experience

Cynics may mock the team for the number of veterans in the squad, but one of those seasoned Springbok campaigners believes there is plenty of value in having experience.

Schalk Burger, 32 and on his way to his fourth World Cup, told a media briefing at South Africa’s training base in Johannesburg that there is always a positive energy around the Springbok squad camp and they are looking forward to the international season.

It all starts with a warm-up match against a World XV in Cape Town next week, before the Rugby Championship gets underway.

With 78 days to the start of the global showpiece, the Boks have six matches to get their squad pulling in the same direction – as well as ensure some of their key players recover and regain form in time.

Despite the failure of South Africa’s Super Rugby franchises, Burger believes the Boks have the ability to be a real force at the World Cup in September and October.

“There is no quick fix for experience and it is all about balance,” he told a media scrum, adding: “In this team there is a lot of experience and good youngsters coming through.

“Let’s hope we can get the balance right and most important is that we play well and enjoy it, and I think that is the big motto for this year.”

Having been to three previous World Cups, Burger has experienced both the jubilation of victory (2007) and the bitter taste of an early exit (quarterfinals in 2003 and 2011).

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