Boks won’t allow sideshows to distract them

Rudolph Jacobs

There has been a great contradiction over players would be released for this weekend’s Test in Cardiff between the Springboks and Wales.

Because it falls out of the international window, the Boks had to send lock Franco Mostert and loose forwards Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw back to their clubs, but yet flyhalf Elton Jantjies (right) has been allowed to stay on by his Japanese club.

The same scenario has unfold- ed in the Welsh camp with loose forward Taulope Faletau allowed by Bath yesterday to turn out for Wales, the same club which wouldn’t release Louw.

But other stars like flyhalf Rhys Priestland, centre Jamie Roberts and prop Thomas Francis wouldn’t be allowed to play for the Welsh this weekend. Two sets of rules? Without wanting to get in the middle of it, Bok coach Allister Coetzee said they expect a formidable Welsh team with coach Warren Gatland needing no second introduction.

“We will be playing against a very good Welsh team with a fantastic coaching staff and experienced players,” said Coetzee.

“We have to be at our best again this weekend to keep on with the improvement in our game.”

With only four changes likely, the Boks want to make amends for last year’s 27-13 loss to Wales, while any win, regardless how it’s achieved, is their target.

Starting roles for prop Steven Kitshoff, hooker Malcolm Marx, flank Siya Kolsi and No 8 Dan du Preez are probably the ones at the forefront of Coetzee’s planning.

The coach could also consider fullback Warrick Gelant and centre Lukhanyo Am, but that certainly wouldn’t be in line with Coetzee’s conservative outlook.

And despite not getting rave reviews after the big win over Italy, Coetzee said he is not moved.

“It was a good performance in tough weather conditions and I don’t think people realise how tough it was out there on Saturday,” he said.

“We were strong at set-piece time, our defence was good, and the replacements did well to maintain that standard.”