Do it for Beast, urges Proudfoot
FORWARDS COACH: MTAWARIRA IS A REAL TEAM MAN
‘I hope the pack will cherish this moment.’
The Springboks are miles from the complete product yet as they are busy building momentum after the opening Test win against England at Ellis Park last weekend, according to forwards coach Matt Proudfoot.
Identifying a few areas they want to improve on in this weekend’s second Test in Bloemfontein, Proudfoot said there are comparisons between current head coach Rassie Erasmus and his predecessor Allister Coetzee.
“Allister and Rassie are both dynamic human beings and where Rassie is a master tactician Allister was a bit different. But they are both strong people and leaders,” he said.
“Rassie wants us to be a dynamic side, build capacity and improve every single week.”
Proudfoot, who believes the return of big lock Joe Launchbury will be a big boost for England, said both teams know they have their work cut out.
“No team really dominated and they will be better. We put in a great session this morning (yesterday), so it will be a big contest,” he said.
“While we have Romain Poite as referee this weekend, it’s important for the players to be able to adapt to his style of refereeing.”
Proudfoot said he hoped the team will make it a proud occasion for prop Beast Mtawarira on the occasion of his 100th Test cap this weekend.
“I sincerely hope the pack responds and cherishes this moment for Beast,” said Proudfoot.
“A big part of Beast’s longevity is that he takes care of his body and continues to work very hard. He is a real team man.”
Proudfoot said a big part in the rise of Thomas du Toit had to do with the assistance of Mtawarira and the work he has put in at the Sharks with Du Toit.
“Front-rowers work in combinations and that was why Beast was successful with the two Du Plessis brothers, Jannie and Bismarck, at the Sharks.
“He takes it on the chin when he gets beaten, but also has huge confidence in his own abilities,” he said.