Paul de Villiers says the Springbok environment strips away individual ego in favour of collective purpose, with the 23-year-old Stormers loose forward set to feature when the Boks host Wales at Kings Park on Saturday (kickoff 5.40pm) in pursuit of a third consecutive Nations Championship win.
De Villiers, who made his debut against England a fortnight ago, says the extra preparation time has been significant. "In my first game for the Boks I got the notice very late. So having more preparation this time around has been good for me. There are still a lot of nerves, but it is good to almost know what is coming and be more ready for the game."
He credits the Bok system for smoothing the transition from URC rugby to Test level. "Everything happens systematically. With the training standard during the week, you get used to what will happen on Saturday. The Bok coaches have created an alignment in the squad where it's not about the individual or the ego. It's about the team."
On facing Wales fetcher Jac Morgan, De Villiers says the focus remains internal. "We know what Jac Morgan can bring and he's obviously a very good fetcher. But our main focus is on ourselves, our own standards, and what we want to achieve on Saturday."
Rassie Erasmus confirmed Siya Kolisi is nursing a niggle and will not feature against Wales, with the Bok coach making clear his intentions for the Rugby Championship campaign. Eben Etzebeth, Kolisi, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert are all being held back for the Argentina fixture on August 8. Erasmus plans to send a squad of 26 or 27 players to Argentina while retaining 15 to 17 at home to begin preparations for the All Blacks Tests in the Greatest Rivalry Series.
"We will really focus on that Argentina game and getting Eben, Siya, Lood and Franco to go to Argentina and pick a proper team," Erasmus said.