Kotze calls on players to shape up

“We need a platform that allows for the national fitness coach and regional coach to align the fitness goals of their players,” said Kotze.

With the loss, the Proteas ensured England took the series with an unassailable 2-0 advantage, with one Test to be played on Friday in Worcester.

“We did adjust our approach to conditioning after last year’s Quad series,” said Kotze.

“We focused more on endurance and intensity of play, but I also need to rely on the ethics of my players. If they want to be in the Proteas squad, then they need to make fitness, conditioning and diet a lifestyle. We also need more training camps so that this can be better monitored,” she said.

Kotze said a central monitoring base would be required to ensure the players were at a suitable fitness level for competitive matches. She was optimistic the Proteas could bag a win in the final match.

“We are South African, and I know that we can bounce back from defeat. We need to stick to our instructions and change to more of a running style of play. We became too predictable in the last two matches.”

The key to overcoming the English would be changing the Proteas’ tactics, said Kotze.

“Our players are too aware of the English defence, and our play became one-dimensional. We need to force England into their discomfort. Our success will be the element of surprise.”

– Sapa