'Boks will be better'
THERE IS A NEW SPIRIT OF COOPERATION BETWEEN FRANCHISES Getting Smith and Venter on board has boosted confidence.
There was probably no danger of him being ditched anyway, but Allister Coetzee is still grateful to have kept his job as Springbok coach.
“I’m glad the review process is done and want to thank the executive council of the South African Rugby Union (Saru) for reaffirm- ing their support in me,” he said.
“We have no excuses for our poor performances of 2016 even though last year was an extremely challenging season. Our below-par performances will never be acceptable and we will have to turn it around.”
Coetzee wrote himself into the wrong section of the history books by only winning four of his 12 Tests last season.
But the appointment of Franco Smith, the Cheetahs’ mastermind, as assistant coach and the imminent confirmation of Brendan Venter as defence coach has brightened the mood.
Both are highly respected and inject experience into the coaching staff.
Coetzee believes the Springboks will be significantly better in 2017 because preparation will be more intensive.
“This time last year I was still to be appointed. This year I have already been planning, holding meetings, preparation camps and fine-tuning logistics. I want to ensure optimal performance,” he said.
“These plans were shared with the local franchise coaches.”
Naturally, some will criticise the appointment of Smith, especially given that he’ll now juggle two posts.
Yet the fact that there’s a new spirit of co-operation with the Super Rugby franchises, means Smith isn’t so far removed from the two responsibilities.
It’s the same with Johan Ackermann, who’ll coach South Africa “A” again this year.
His Lions side differs from the Boks in the way they play but at least he’s aware of the national blueprint.
“We also shared our continuity plan for the Springboks with the franchises and I’m happy with the progress,” said Coetzee.
It’s probably the best South African rugby can do currently given their limited resources.