Rassie Erasmus releases footage of camp that made new Bok shed 18kg

Footage of the training camp that helped South Africa newcomer Asenathi Ntlabakanye shed up to 18kg before his first Springboks appearance this Saturday against the Barbarians has been shared by his head coach Rassie Erasmus.

The Lions tighthead prop is one of two uncapped players, alongside Sharks flanker Vincent Tshituka, that have been named to start for the world champions in Cape Town, with a further two capless players, Stormers tighthead Neethling Fouche and Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe, on the bench.

However, in order for the 26-year-old to don the Bok jersey, he needed to be whipped into shape on assistant coach Daan Human’s Bloemfontein farm, which Erasmus has labelled ‘Kamp Daandraad’ online.

The Bok boss shared footage on social media of the prop being put through his paces under Human, with activities appearing to range from hill sprints to gym work.

Kamp Daandraad!! pic.twitter.com/NNPlkZ5i4c

— Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) June 24, 2025

Billed at 153kg on the United Rugby Championship website, Erasmus said after naming his side that the prop had lost up to 18kg, which would make him a slimline 135kg for the clash with the Barbarians.

“He went a few times up to Daan’s farm and stayed there for a week, and Daan worked with him really well, with the Lions coach and CEO’s blessing, and whenever there was a break he drove to the farm,” Erasmus said.

“He’s dropped 15 to 18kgs and let’s hope he can do what he does at Test match level, which will be great.

“Don’t want to mention names but we’ve done it with three or four other players, also in the front row specifically because that’s something we struggle to get right in an alignment camp because Daan loves to work the core.”

Utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels appears to be another player who was subjected to a similar experience to Ntlabakanye, with Erasmus sharing more footage of the work with Human.