Caps off to SA’s captain and coach

It has become abundantly clear in just two Test matches against the touring French, that the Springboks have found themselves a new impetus and direction to put the annus horribilis of last season behind them. Even more encouraging is the whole host of new faces who have stood up to be counted. First among these must be Warren Whiteley, who has taken to the job of Springbok captain as if born to the task. As World Cup-winning skipper John Smit so succinctly notes the most important aspect of leadership is to convince those around you to accept direction. Whiteley has done this in his understated way, allowing his young team the atmosphere to blossom and, with the 37-15 victory over the Tricolores at in the second Test at Kings Park in Durban at the weekend, secured an important series victory in the process.

But it cannot just be down to the captain. The revamped coaching staff under Allister Coetzee – understood to be beefed up even further by the appointment of Rassie Erasmus as director of coaching – has given the national side a shape and intensity in attack and defence. There is still much to do, but the road ahead has been clearly defined.