Last year the team experienced their worst season to date after winning just four of their 12 Tests played.

The player who could be named as the new Bok captain this year says South Africa has way too much talent not to be optimistic.

“I’m always optimistic about Springbok rugby because of the amount of talent we have in this country.

“You can go watch schoolboy games, you can go watch primary school games.

“There is so much talent and we are so fortunate because that wheel just keeps turning.

“Yes, there are structural issues but I’m confident we can resolve those and move forward. As coach Allister Coetzee and Johan Ackermann mentioned, they had an indaba and took steps towards working as a collective”.

The Springbok flyhalf, Elton Jantjies, in his turn said although the team was disappointing it is important to remember that a lot of players represented the team for the first time, a solid foundation has been laid for this year.

“We had a lot of guys making their debuts and then we had a lot of experienced customers as well.

“Learning from them and learning from last year is going to be the key.

“I think it’s very exciting for SA Rugby, especially with a lot of guys getting an opportunity to lay a foundation and build on the team’s character.

“Going into 2017 it’s going to be really good for us”.

The Springboks are currently sixth in the World Rugby rankings, one place ahead of France who they will face at least three times this year.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport