Springbok coach Harry Viljoen admitted on Monday it would be hard for his players to lift themselves for the challenging end-of-year tour after the tough domestic season finished on Saturday.

Speaking in Johannesburg where the Boks have assembled in preparation for Tests against France, Italy, England and the US Eagles, the coach said it was important for the team not to lose focus now as they build towards the 2003 World Cup.

Many players returned from the Bankfin Currie Cup final on Saturday sporting bumps and bruises, but that will be forgotten when they have their first training session at Sandown High School on Tuesday.

"The squad assembled on Monday and there were a few players sporting the traditional post-Currie Cup final bruises," Viljoen said in his column on SARugby.net. "It has been a long season for our players and I have sympathy for what they have gone through.

"But we have to fight through whatever mental barriers there may be and it is important we all maintain enthusiasm and focus over the next month.

"On Tuesday our on-the-field preparations start for next Saturday's Test. It is a difficult build-up because many of our squad have just come off a hectic domestic finale. It will present us with physical and mental hurdles.

" But I am confident we have the players to win in Europe and I know that the desire is there to be successful. End of year tours are never easy because of the timing of these Test matches.

"But if one's attitude is right, then half the battle is won, and my experience as a Bok coach tells me that I have no reason to ever doubt the attitude of a South African who wears the Bok jersey.