‘Unbelievable’ Boks are redeemed
Coach Coetzee lauds lads’ show of character
Paris - Allister Coetzee paid tribute to the character of his “unbelievable” players after they bounced back from last week’s record defeat to Ireland to beat France.
The Springboks have had a rollercoaster year with an alltime record 57-0 defeat to New Zealand in September before their worst reverse against Ireland, 38-3 a week ago.
But they have also enjoyed some good moments, winning their first five Tests this year, pushing the All Blacks to within just one point last month and then edging out France 18-17 on Saturday.
“It’s unbelievable and it’s a sign that there’s something special in this team,” said Coetzee. “We had five wins on the trot then we drew to Australia and then had a big setback against New Zealand with the 50-0.
“But then we bounced back again against Australia with a draw after a big defeat and that shows character. And after that we went to Newlands and lost by one point (to the All Blacks).
“Then we went to Ireland and we got it wrong completely, 38-3, and then again under huge pressure on tour we bounced back with a win.
“That says a lot about the character of the team, it says a lot about the team environ- ment and the accountability the players are prepared to take on.”
What also pleased Coetzee was that for the first time this year, his players had managed to carry a close encounter over the line.
“We drew two against Australia this year and lost by one point to New Zealand.
“And in France... under huge pressure, we could finish and close this one out and win it.”
Tries from Dillyn Leyds and Jesse Kriel helped offset a poor kicking display by flyhalf Handre Pollard.
“Handre Pollard obviously has been training with us for a very long time and he hasn’t had a lot of game time. Despite the poor goal-kicking, the substandard goal-kicking – he slotted a kick at the right time and we see how his confidence came back from that.”–
It’s a sign there’s something special in this team