Williams: Boks can’t look past Japan in November tour opener

The Springboks are well aware of the tougher challenges that await them during their five-match November tour, but for now, all their attention is fixed on Japan this Saturday — and on laying a solid platform for the weeks ahead.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus explained that the decision to open the tour with a Test at Wembley Stadium (6.10pm kick-off) was deliberate, allowing their available foreign-based players to get a proper hit-out before facing France next weekend.

While the duel at the Stade de France will be one of the season’s most important fixtures as the Boks aim to complete another unbeaten year-end tour, Saturday’s replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams stressed that they cannot look too far ahead just yet.

It will be the nippy No 9’s first match at Wembley — against a Japanese side known for its fast-paced, high-tempo game plan. The famous English football venue is also expected to provide a quick surface, which should contribute to an entertaining spectacle.

“We know it’s going to be tough and a long tour too, but we can only focus on Japan and not look too far ahead to France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales,” Williams said on Wednesday.

“The first job is to make sure we play well against Japan. If all goes according to plan, that sets us up for the rest of the tour. It’s a challenging five weeks, but the first hurdle is Japan — we have to perform before thinking about the other teams.

“Any side in the world wants to test themselves against the No 1 team. They have been playing well, and we’ve seen their results and style of play. They’ll be fired up and ready to take us on.”

Williams added that the squad is prepared for whatever conditions London throws at them. Partly sunny weather is forecast for matchday, though some rain is expected on Friday.

The Boks won’t be too concerned, having proven their ability to adapt to all conditions — with strong wins in both wet and dry weather against the Barbarians, New Zealand, and Australia in recent months.

“Our game plan suits any conditions,” Williams said.

“When it’s wet, we’ve got a strong kicking game; when it’s dry, we can move the ball. With the South African way of doing things — using our physicality — we’re well prepared. Japan have some really sharp scrumhalves who like to play fast. We’ve studied them well, and it’ll be a tough day if we don’t slow down their ball.”