It took 16 years before the Springboks could record a win at Emirates Airlines Park against France, but for the 55 820 enthusiastic fans it was all worth it.
The last time the two national sides played each other was in 2001 at the then Ellis Park and France won, with the other three times also being in favour of the visitors.
The Springboks faced France in the third and final test match on June 24 at Emirates Airline Park and recorded a whitewash, beating them 35-12 and winning the series 3-0.
Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee, on Saturday praised the efforts of his squad and management, but also had a special word of thanks for Springbok supporters, after his side clinched the Castle Lager Incoming Series with a 3-0 winning margin.
South Africa won the third test, following wins in Pretoria and Durban earlier this month, and Coetzee was pleased about the progress shown by his team in this time.
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“This was a huge step in the right direction for us,” said Coetzee. “Test match rugby is always about winning, not about being pretty. This was what happened tonight. We did not execute as well as we wanted to, but the courage of the team was great.”
Coetzee pointed to the tireless defence from the team and the willingness of players to get back on their feet and make another tackle. This was particularly rewarding, especially after they had to regroup after losing Warren Whiteley late in the week due to a groin injury.
“Losing the captain on a Friday, having a stand-in captain and then defending our line and keeping France scoreless – that is massive step in the right direction for all of us,” Coetzee said.
“We believe that this team consists of a squad of 31 and this was tested this week, but I am happy that our belief was justified. All 31 players worked hard for this result.
“Losing Warren was not easy, but our core leadership group was awesome in the last couple of days. Our defence was not perfect. We had a couple of missed tackles, but the exciting part was how they got back on their feet and into position,” said Coetzee.
The coach attributed the change in fortunes to better preparations and the buy-in of all coaches.
“Our preparation time was so much better this year and our training camps were essential. The Plettenberg Bay camp did wonders. We have great rugby players and now that we have a shared value system, we are showing that. The motivation comes from within.”
Photo: Gordon Arons
Coetzee had a special message to the Springboks fans as well, thanking them for their support.
“The fans are terrific. We embrace the idea that we need to win all matches, as they expect, although all teams lose from time to time. We cannot stay undefeated forever, but one thing we can promise is an all-out effort.
“We are happy that we could turn things around for them too. We needed to turn this around. We still have a lot to do, but the belief is back in the jersey again. That is a great feeling. A lot of small things combine to make the product better,“ Coetzee concluded.
Stand-in Springbok captain, Eben Etzebeth, described the day as the best one of his life.
“Welcome to the best day of my life, the last 24 hours were unbelievable,” he smiled.
“It was easy to stand in for Warren as we have a strong leadership group, so it was not that hard to slot in. The preparation at the camps was good -we got to know each other. It was probably the best three weeks with the Springboks I have had,” Etzebeth said.
“We will enjoy this one, but will start all over again come the Castle Lager Rugby Championship against Argentina.”
He also thanked the fans. “We are extremely grateful to the fans – their support was awesome over the last three weeks. From Pretoria onwards, we really enjoyed that support. It is very rewarding.”
The Springboks’ next test is against Argentina in Port Elizabeth on August 19.
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