Kitsie calms fears on Boks' relentless schedule and burnout: 'It's about compartmentalising'

Steven Kitshoff has downplayed fears that locally- and European-based Springboks are facing burnout because of their relentless playing schedules.

South Africa's continued involvement in the Rugby Championship - for now at least until 2025 - means that the calendar isn't fully synchronised with the URC and the European Champions and Challenge Cups, specifically in terms of the players not enjoying proper pre-seasons.

Yet the flame-haired stalwart is philosophical about the current complexion of the season.

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"Yeah, with the way the URC is structured, I suppose [there will be questions about our workloads]," Kitshoff said, ahead of another high octane clash with the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

"It means franchise and international season flow into each other."

However, there's still a relatively prominent element of compartmentalisation to those assignments, which means Kitshoff keeps himself switched on by focusing on each assignment in isolation.

"For me, I just try to take each competition on its own," said the prop.

"When we finished with the URC campaign at the Stormers, the Wales Test series started and now you have the Rugby Championship. In a way, I try to view each of those assignments as a milestone and challenge on its own.

"You individualise it and get excited for it independently. Every competition is different."

Naturally, the continued allure and consequent pride at representing one's country is enough for Kitshoff to overshadow any jadedness.

"That's what keeps me mentally in tune. It keeps the fire burning," he said.

"Just representing South Africa on the international stage is what gets me up in the morning