Time for Coetzee to shed his ‘conservative skin’ on Bok backline calls

IF THERE is one area in the Springbok team that is in dire need of new faces then it will certainly be the sterile backline ahead of Saturday’s clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium.

For too long now the Springbok backline has been misfiring and has been the weakest cog in the Bok machinery this year.

While Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has shown a willingness to reward form, especially with players from the Lions Super Rugby side, the players’ inability to be as effective on the international stage has been a cause of concern.

Change is necessary and almost unavoidable for Coetzee in his team’s final Test of the year and what could also be Coetzee’s final bow as Bok boss with speculation rife that he will be given his marching orders in two weeks’ time at the conclusion of his review with his employers.

While Coetzee is not a man easily swayed by the calls from the thousands of Springbok faithful across the globe, the former Stormers boss will have to shed his conservative skin.

As steady as scrumhalf Ross Cronje has been for most of the season, the Lions man has failed to inspire his backs into action and with a slow winding pass and inaccurate kicking game, the time has come for perennial benchwarmer Rudy Paige to be given a fair crack at number nine.

Paige could provide the spark that has been missing and could offer something different and new alongside fellow Bulls halfback partner Handre Pollard. Sharks scrumhalf Louis Schreuder should also be given an opportunity to make his Test debut off the bench, after some inspiring performances for the Southern Kings in Super Rugby this year.

The biggest headache in the Bok backline surely has been the lack of firepower in the midfield especially with Jan Serfontein making himself unavailable for the endof-year tour.

There has been a lack of impact from Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende. The inclusion of Francois Venter in the midfield has inspired hope that there is life after all in the midfield and Coetzee should be even bolder by handing Lukhanyo Am his debut.

Am should start at 12 with Venter moving to 13 in what will be a mouthwatering combination that could prove to be the key to unlocking the attacking flair of the backs and bringing in the players out wide.

Am was the standout centre in the country in Super Rugby prior to a horrific injury to his cheekbone which denied him a possible international debut in the June series against France.

Fortunately for Coetzee, Am and Venter played together last year for the SA ‘A’ side in the two match series against the England Saxons and they are surely ready to be unleashed together at the highest level.

Wing Courtnall Skosan has been steady, but not as effective as he was for the Lions. Raymond Rhule should be given another chance to redeem himself for his defensive frailties earlier in the season but he is lethal with ball in hand and will thrive with the attacking exploits of Am and Venter on his inside.

Then there is the obvious selection of Warrick Gelant at fullback.

Last week Gelant made his debut but it was on the wing and now Coetzee must do the right thing by playing the Bulls fullback in his preferred position.

Incumbent fullback Andries Coetzee has hardly put a foot wrong and in fact has shown a lot of bravery and willingness to get involved. But Andries Coetzee falls horribly short in terms of the natural talent and x-factor that Gellant brings.