No issue for Boks
PROUDFOOT: WE CAN ADDRESS IT WITH THE OFFICIALS
South Africa and referee Garces have never seen eye to eye.
The Springboks will be guided by the World Cup’s judicial and officiating system, forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot insists, despite the dust failing to settle after last week’s battle against the All Blacks.
Following their victory, All Blacks coach Steven Hansen said the defending champions would not be “trialled by social media” after French referee Jerome Garces’ controversial performance.
All Blacks prop Joe Moody was caught on camera with his elbow on the ground at least twice after wilting under pressure from Frans Malherbe right in front of Garces, who seemingly turned a blind eye.
“It is an issue we can address with the officials, and after a game both sides normally have a few issues they want to address,” Proudfoot said.
“I thought Frans was very good to put the opposition under pressure, but it’s going to happen that one prop will be under some pressure.”
Admitting the All Blacks had evolved as a unit, Proudfoot said it was a tough game and the Boks were more than just physically hurt.
He remains confident, however, that they will bounce back against Namibia in Toyota tomorrow.
“We had our opportunity and we respect them but we feel the team has it in them to go all the way,” he said.
“We know what we can do better and we will be better.”
Proudfoot also revealed the reasoning for Thomas du Toit being called up ahead of Wilco Louw and Coenie Oosthuizen as a replacement for injured prop Trevor Nyakane.
A destructive ball-carrier who offered solid defence over the ball, Du Toit is expected to bring energy and power on either the loosehead or tighthead sides.
“Thomas has been with us for a period of time in the build-up and he has the ability to play both sides, and that was important in our decision,” Proudfoot said.
“Trevor fulfilled that role for us so it was an important decision to keep to somebody that can play on both sides for us, and Thomas’ evolution to play that role has been well-documented.”