PULLING NO PUNCHES
VENTER: BEATING ALL BLACKS PAINTED OVER CRACKS
Rassie needs our support, says former defence coach.
The Springboks haven’t really progressed this year, but have instead taken a step backwards, according to former Bok midfielder and national defence coach Brendan Venter.
Known to be outspoken, Venter claimed it was undeniable that South Africa had failed to improve this season, from a purely statistical perspective.
“As a matter of fact, they were worse off this year,” Venter wrote in his regular column on the stuff. co.nz website.
“However, because they beat the All Blacks away from home, the cracks were painted over.
“But statistically speaking, Erasmus performed substantially worse in his first season than Allister Coetzee did in his second season.”
With Erasmus having recorded a 50% victory record, with seven Tests won and seven lost this year, Venter insisted he was not implying that Erasmus should not be supported.
“I’m not suggesting that Erasmus should go,” he wrote.
“I’m of the view that it’s even more reason to support Erasmus because if you look at the way Coetzee grew in his second year, Erasmus should grow in exactly the same way.”
Venter questioned whether the Springboks had improved on last year’s performances, or if the win over the All Blacks in Wellington had created false hope. He also asked if transformation targets had been achieved.
“To find the answers we have to look at stats, which are factual and non-emotional. Erasmus lost seven matches this year and last year Coetzee only lost four.
“The Boks under Erasmus scored 37 tries and conceded 38, while Coetzee’s side scored 39 tries and conceded 32.
“Erasmus guaranteed a 45% transformation rate when he set off but only achieved 38%, worse than Coetzee who posted 40%.”
If the administrators did not miss a trick, Venter believed their patience could yield a return after four years.
“Whatever we do, Erasmus must stay on for at least three years and actively manage South Africa to allow for an upward trajectory,” he wrote.
“The All Blacks will be aiming to ensure they regain their aura because there is no doubt it has been lost, but while the Boks have historically chopped and changed, the All Blacks have retained continuity.
“The All Blacks may have finished their season on a winning note but we cannot ignore the way they played in their two defeats and close shaves. It’s the way they played and not the results that will be of concern to the coaches.
“Coaching continuity, though, has been important for Ireland and the All Blacks.”