‘SA rugby can only prosper if unions unite’
SA RUGBY president Mark Alexander says the goal of the coaching indabas was not for all South African teams to “play exactly the same game”, but rather to use “similar fundamentals when it comes to the basics of the game”.
SA Rugby hosted a third indaba in Kempton Park yesterday. The first indaba was held in Cape Town in October, and was aimed at discussing and finalising a coaching blueprint for SA rugby.
The indaba was attended by franchise and Springbok coaches, as well as Alexander, deputy president Francois Davids and vice president James Stoffberg, who have all been involved in addressing the Springboks’ performances of last year.
The draft version of the SA Rugby blueprint was presented at the meeting following the two previous gatherings.
“We are not expecting all our teams to play exactly the same game, but it will be good to see our Super Rugby teams use similar fundamentals when it comes to the basics of the game, and from there use their own unique style in their game plans,” said Alexander.
“South African rugby can only prosper if our unions and coaches collaborate with one another in the implementation of our collective plan. This blueprint plan does not dictate your provincial or franchise game plan, but it is a necessary strategic framework for our rugby.”
Alexander also said that players’ rest and playing periods were also addressed, and that a second national conditioning strategy will be finalised within the next two weeks.
“It is my firm belief that the coming together of local coaching experts and their sharing of knowledge, added by their desire to improve our game, will put the Springboks in a better position in terms of preparation for their June series against France and the rest of the international season,” he said.
“Some of the important topics discussed during the three indabas included learnings from the last few seasons, player contracting, player retention and succession planning as well as the development and retention of local coaches.” JUST days away from kicking off their 2017 Super Rugby challenge and the Cheetahs have two major issues hanging over their heads: Will captain Francois Venter be ready for the first game, and what’s to become of inspirational coach Franco Smith?
On top of that the Cheetahs – surprise Currie Cup winners last year after registering just four wins in 15 matches in Super Rugby – have had a less than impressive build-up to this year’s campaign.
Smith’s men played in two warm-up matches and lost both – to the Stormers (35-7) and the Sharks (37-7) – with the most worrying aspect the fact that they managed to score just one try in each game.
And it’s not as if they’re likely to do much better when the competition proper kicks off, as they managed to register a bonus point for four tries or more in a match just once last year.
But Smith and Co will also not be too pleased with the team’s defence, especially when one considers the Cheetahs let in 48 tries in their 15 games last season.
And Venter, so impressive as team leader last year, is still doubtful for the start of the competition, against the Lions in Bloemfontein next Saturday, after undergoing an ankle operation in early December.
Another midfielder, William SmallSmith (hand), is also still 50/50 for the opener.
The good news though is that there will be a lot more depth in the Cheetahs ranks this season and confidence will be high after their unbeaten run to the Currie Cup title a few months ago.
Former South Africa Under-20 captain Junior Pokomela will be hoping for a decent run, and so, too, former Griquas utility back Clinton Swart and former Kings prop Tom Botha. In addition to these men joining the Bloemfontein team, former skipper and lock Francois Uys is back from his stint in Japan and at 30 will bring plenty of experience to the pack.
The Cheetahs, though, will feel the loss of Lood de Jager, who has joined the Bulls, and there’s also still no clarity on whether coach Smith will be involved beyond this year’s competition.
His name has been mentioned as a possible Springbok backline coach after he toured with the team to the UK and Italy in November, with Saru yet to clarify the position of head coach Allister Coetzee and his assistant coaches following the revue process after what was a dismal 2016 season for Bok rugby.
The Cheetahs, who are up against New Zealand opposition this season after facing the Australian teams last year, wrapped up their “field preparations” on Tuesday night with a run against the Griffons.
After opening against last year’s finalists, the Lions, at home next Saturday, Smith’s men host the Bulls and Sunwolves before trekking to Argentina for a date with the Jaguares.