It’s sink or swim for Coetzee
SEVERAL Springbok players made their way to nearby Venice on their day off on Wednesday and it would not have been lost on them how the enchanting city is struggling to remain above water. It is a sight with which they are familiar. Their coach, Allister Coetzee, has been trying to keep his head above water for much of the last year and it is not difficult to see why the coach believes his buoyancy is inextricably linked to assembly of his best available team.
The prevailing tide dictates that he pushes his best resources into battle against Italy tomorrow but he has also been forced into two significant amendments.
Hooker Malcolm Marx, who has started every test this year, injured his shoulder against France last weekend and had been on the doubtful list all week. He does not feature in the match 23 as Bongi Mbonambi makes a maiden start.
On the side of the scrum, Pieter-Steph du Toit’s return had been widely anticipated and he will fill the void left by Siya Kolisi, who travelled home on paternity leave. Marx’s absence is a huge setback for the Boks. He has set himself apart in that position, to the point that the next in line, Mbonambi, has had very little game time. Before this tour, Mbonambi had collected just 93 minutes over the last year.
Chiliboy Ralepelle will also get a chance to emerge from the shadows.
“He had a great Super Rugby campaign,” Coetzee said.
“His experience is invaluable. He comes with a wealth of experience as a set-piece hooker.”
Also on the bench is Warrick Gelant and there is every chance the Bulls dynamo will make his debut tomorrow.
Coetzee will be hugely relieved that captain Eben Etzebeth has come through this week without suffering further mischief to the lower leg injury he sustained against France.
Overall, however, Coetzee’s selections speak of a man in survival mode.
Defeat will almost certainly spell the end of his reign as Bok coach at the end of the tour.
His selection policy on this tour has stood in stark contrast to the building phase All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has embarked upon.
The All Blacks have two additional non-test engagements on their northern hemisphere tour, which presents the coach with the opportunity to blood, several new players with a view to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and beyond.
Springboks to play Italy: Andries Coetzee; Dillyn Leyds, Jesse Kriel, Francois Venter, Courtnall Skosan; Handre Pollard, Ross Cronje; Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Francois Louw; Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (captain); Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira. Substitutes: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, Franco Mostert, Dan du Preez; Rudy Paige, Elton Jantjies, Warrick Gelant.