Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli has applauded the skill level of his 22-man squad, but was as brutal in his assessment of their conditioning.

"From a skill perspective it looks very healthy. The guys have shown a similar attitude to that witnessed at the trials and it has been very encouraging to see them express themselves on the field," said Straeuli.

"We certainly have the skill levels in this squad. All 22 players have shown themselves capable of starting in the first test against Wales. That probably has been the highlight of the first four sessions. All the combinations we have run have looked comfortable.

"It makes the choice of selecting the starting XV very hard, but as a coach that's probably the nicest difficulty to have."

Straeuli was less flattering of the squad's conditioning.

"It is not good enough. It really is that simple. I expect international players to be in a better physical state. Our conditioning coach Kevin Stevenson will have his work cut out in the next few months.

"I have no doubt we can get it right, but it is going to require commitment and dedication from the squad and a continual application of the basic principles of being professional. Getting test match fit is not a one-off event. It is not something you do over two days or in one big session. I am talking about player conditioning and our players are not conditioned. They know how much work is still needed in this department," said Straeuli.

Team manager Gideon Sam, reunited with the Boks after a year's absence, commended the squad's approach during the first 48 hours of residence at the Pretoria Police College.

Sam also appealed to the media to recognise the coach's need for privacy in the first 72 hours.

"The coach effectively has four days in which to work with the Springbok squad. As of next Monday he is into the standard test match-week preparation. Monday morning was the first time he worked with the players and he was desperate to have three uninterrupted days in which to get to know the squad better.

"It is certainly not a siege mentality and it is not an attempt to block out the media. There is a media day on Thursday and the media will have daily access to the squad as of next week. This will be done in a controlled environment," said Sam.

"We appreciate the support of the public, but ask them to be patient in the next 48 hours. The focus of the three days has been rugby. This is not a boot camp, but a few days that will be crucial to the Springboks test season."