Vincent ‘has put ghosts to bed’

BOKS: COETZEE BELIEVES PROP WILL BOUNCE BACK

Mtawarira to equal Os du Randt’s record of 80 Tests in Salta.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee believes prop Vincent Koch has put the ghosts of Durban behind him. Koch was the only change to the starting line-up yesterday from the one which beat Argentina in Nelspruit last week for the return Rugby Championship Test in Salta on Saturday.

“Vincent struggled against Argentina last year in Durban, but I think he showed last week in Nelspruit that he has put those ghosts now firmly to bed,” said Coetzee.

Koch has earned his place after the hamstring injury sustained by Julian Redelinghuys and on the bench Lourens Adriaanse will provide quality backup.

“I think Lourens has done very well for the Sharks whenever he played and I think he is a very underrated player, while we are looking at someone like Trevor Nyakane to possibly also cover both prop positions for us in future,” said Coetzee.

Prop Beast Mtawarira will equal Os du Randt’s record of 80 Tests as a Bok prop, while flank Jaco Kriel and lock Pieter-Steph du Toit remain on the bench.

In the only other change on the bench Coetzee has included veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn, who has played 61 Tests, in place of centre Juan de Jongh

While Coetzee has given flyhalf Elton Jantjies another opportunity to prove that he belongs at Test level, the inclusion of Steyn on the bench could be just the medicine Jantjies required.

“We expect them to try and put us under pressure with their tactical kicking,” said Coetzee.

“Morne is an experienced player with good kicking attributes, and he will provide an additional kicking cover for us.”

Between Jantjies and fullback Johan Goosen, four kicks at goal were spilled last week and it can’t be afforded again this weekend.

Coetzee believes that after four Tests on SA soil, the challenge is now to win away from home.

“We will continue to build on our cohesion as a team. This is the first away Test for this side and we expect another huge battle against the Pumas,” said Coetzee.

Picture: Gallo Images PROMOTED. Vincent Koch will start at tighthead prop for the Springboks in their return Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Salta on Saturday.