Coetzee weighs his flank options
WHEN asked about the impact Jean-luc du Preez could have should he start Saturday’s first Test against France at Loftus Versfeld, Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan was typically diplomatic.
However, he certainly let off what his head coach Allister Coetzee, and him by extension as the forwards coach, want from their blindside flank.
With Duane Vermeulen having joined the side from Toulon after their bruising 22-16 Top 14 final loss to Clermont despite his shoulder injury, a lot will be expected from whoever dons the number seven jersey.
Du Preez and Cheetahs looseforward Teboho Oupa Mohoje are both in contention for a starting berth Vermeulen has vacated through injury.
Both players have been important cogs for their Super Rugby franchises and, with Warren Whiteley having locked onto the number eight jersey through his form and captaincy, the blindside role will be up for grabs. Whoever excels will probably be the firstchoice blindside flanker for the Rugby Championship.
“It’s an interesting question that I can’t answer because the decision lies with Allister Coetzee. Oupa has been a good carrier in the last couple of weeks and when you spend time with a player, you get to know how they use their feet and dominate in contact.
“With Jaco Kriel in the wide channels, Warren has improved a lot and is one of the top number eights in the world.”
By that stretch, Van Graan and Coetzee have an idea of what their backrow will look like on Saturday, especially with the French expected to unleash their expected physical onslaught.
France have a neat record in South Africa since readmission, having not lost the first Test of a series, if their one-off 42-17 hammering at Newlands is put aside.
There’s also the unpredictability about the French that former Springbok coach Jake White recently said doesn’t exist.
The straight-faced Van Graan looked past White’s comments, saying the French cannot be taken lightly and they will be focusing on their own game.
“The only thing I can say is that they’re a very good side and they’ve got some neat structures. They’re good at what they do and they carried the most ball in the Six Nations from their own half. They also had the best set-scrum percentage,” said Van Graan.