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Boks given a clean bill of health

IN THE WARS: Michael Hooper of the Wallabies tackles Springbok winger Bryan Habana during The Rugby Championship match between Australia and South African at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Photo: Getty Images
IN THE WARS: Michael Hooper of the Wallabies tackles Springbok winger Bryan Habana during The Rugby Championship match between Australia and South African at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Photo: Getty Images

SPRINGBOK doctor Craig Roberts was almost at a loss for words when he declared that the squad had a clean bill of health as they gear up to face the All Blacks at Eden Park this weekend.

After a crushing 38-12 win over the Wallabies, the Boks arrived to a warm welcome in Auckland, where several hundred fans turned out at the airport to greet the squad.

There were the usual "bumps and bruises", according to Roberts, but all players will be available for selection for Saturday's Rugby Championship encounter against the world champions, although a few players would probably sit out today's training session.

"It's not often that on a Monday I get to sit here and say no major problems to report," Roberts said.

"There are a few guys who have bumps and bruises that we will nurse through the week, but there is nobody that we are worried about for the game on Saturday.

"Jannie [du Plessis] suffered a laceration to his lip early against Australia, Bryan Habana had an accidental boot to the groin so he was a bit uncomfortable and JJ [Engelbrecht] has a corked thigh, or a dead leg, but it's nothing really to worry about."

Asked if it was improved conditioning or luck that has led to the Springboks' minor injury list this season, Roberts said it was a combination of both.

"The guys have been working very hard, but a lot of it comes down to being lucky as well," Roberts said.

"Rugby is a serious collision sport and sometimes you get away with it and sometimes you're unlucky."

But physiologically he believed the squad is now in optimum shape after a gruelling travel schedule over the past month.

"Obviously, travelling from Argentina to Australia to here [New Zealand] takes its toll on the guys so early in the week. We are more in a flush-out mode and try and build towards the rest of the week," Roberts said.

"We do try and manage their load. So far we've done that quite well."

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