Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee, was pleased with the effort of his team after they beat France 37-15 in the second of three tests in the Castle Lager Incoming Series at Growthpoint Kings Park, on June 10.
The Springboks won the first test in Pretoria last week and although the series is now won, Coetzee was not satisfied that the Springboks have reached their best form. The last test will be played this coming Saturday At Emirates Airlines park. The match will start at 5.15pm.
“Every test match is a ‘must-win’ for us. The series is won, but there is no relief. Every match is as important as the next. We will keep trying to improve. I am very proud of the way the team has grown – this is a different feeling from nine months ago. This was an outstanding performance, but there is still a lot of work to do,” Coetzee said. He also pointed to certain areas where the team did well.
“I am proud of our set piece and proud of the attack, but I am particularly proud of the way we defended,” he said.
“The team plays for each other and that was shown in the defence tonight. They do it for each other. The system does not tackle, the players in the system need to make the tackle. The reaction time of players, to get back on their feet and to get back in the position again, that was very rewarding to see,” he added.
Coetzee said he felt for Teboho Mohoje, who was taken off the field after a heavy blow, but was pleased with the performance delivered by Jean-Luc du Preez, his replacement.
“Oupa’s early injury was unfortunate. Jean-Luc played well. We have a squad of 31 and it is not easy to select the match-23 as the players have similar abilities. The bench players made a huge impact – look at the try Coenie Oosthuizen scored when he came on. That is a good situation to have,” he stated and pointed out that the team had remained calm when France made early inroads into the Springbok defence, scoring in the third minute.
“The French dominated the collisions in the opening minutes, but the guys did not panic and slowly we got the better of them. Our planning has been spot-on for this series. Lots of things behind the scene have changed and things are falling in place. We have not achieved anything, but if we continue to develop and build, we will be a force to be reckoned with. The game is also about confidence and that is growing,” the coach concluded.
Springbok captain, Warren Whiteley, also praised the team structures for the match.
“Our processes have been accurate, but we still have a massive test ahead of us in Johannesburg. The first 15 minutes in the second half, we were under pressure, they turned us over a couple of times, but the character of the side was tested and we came through. I am excited because we have started a foundation of something that can become special,” Whiteley said.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
