Coetzee pins hopes on Ferreira’s expertise
SPRINGBOK coach Allister Coetzee has agreed that defence will be a vital part of his team’s play in the European end-of-year tour.
Coetzee said this area would need improvement and the inclusion of JP Ferreira in the coaching team would prove crucial.
SA Rugby (Saru) announced last week that Ferreira‚ who has been a key member of the successful Lions team over the past three years‚ would take care of the defence coaching in the Boks’ matches against the Barbarians‚ England‚ Italy and Wales.
Currie Cup-winning Free State Cheetahs’ coach Franco Smith will assist with the skills coaching.
Given the defensive woes of the Boks since Coetzee took over the coaching reins‚ Ferreira’s contribution could prove invaluable.
But will a short-term contract which only runs up until the end of the year be of any benefit to the Boks going forward?
Coetzee indicated that his coaching team and Saru would take stock on their return from Europe and he did not rule out the possibility of employing the Lions’ defence coach on a full-time basis in future.
“It is something that I can’t just say off the cuff‚” Coetzee said on whether Ferreira could be a long-term solution for the side.
“It is something that has to have collaboration because he is signed with the [Golden] Lions.
“But because it’s Springbok rugby‚ whatever works and makes the Boks better,” Coetzee said.
“If it means JP remaining at his franchise and working for the Boks‚ so be it.
“It is done all over. What we are trying to make sure of is what is best for South African rugby.
“I know he is under contract with the Lions and we wouldn’t want to take him away from there.”
Coetzee was part of the recent indaba which sought to find a way forward for SA rugby.
“There won’t be any egos [in the current coaching team following the inclusion of Ferreira and Smith]‚” Coetzee said.
He and his touring party for the end-of-year matches are in Johannesburg preparing for their European visit.
The coach included a number of new faces in the squad he has selected‚ but has also stressed that the door is not closed to players who did not make the cut.
“There are certain guys who are on standby – those who missed out [on selection]‚” he said.
“They’ve been informed and hopefully some of them will get an opportunity.
“I will then see who are the guys that can make it going forward at this level.”