Coetzee laughs off reports of Japan move

WITH his future a perennial matter of conjecture‚ Springbok coach Allister Coetzee shrugged at the latest line of inquiry yesterday.

In fact‚ he stumbled upon a humorous response when asked about rumours linking him to a move back to Japan.

“I am going to Japan. In 2019. I’m definitely going‚” he chuckled heartily in reference to the next World Cup and what he may possibly do thereafter.

“I honestly don’t know where the rumours started and I would like to know the source. It is just unfortunate.

“I have a contract with SA Rugby until 2019. My sole job and mandate is to focus on the next test.

“There will be a normal review at the end of the tour. That is a normal process.

“After the incoming tour, there’s a review. After the Rugby Championship, there is a review.

“After the autumn [northern hemisphere] tour, there is a review. It is a normal procedure‚” Coetzee said.

As much as he wants to take it one test at a time‚ his future will be up for debate once the tour is over. Finishing with a flourish can only enhance his chances.

Compared to last year’s complete misadventure‚ the Boks have suffered just three defeats this year.

Lamentably‚ they also drew twice against the Wallabies.

The heavy beatings at the hands of the All Blacks and Ireland have‚ however‚ weakened Coetzee’s bargaining power.

A win over Wales‚ which will mean three straight wins in a row after the Irish humiliation‚ will be a significant feather in the coach’s cap.

He knows‚ however‚ that last weekend’s win over Italy was undervalued.

“I don’t think people realise how tough it was‚” Coetzee said, referring to the atrocious conditions at the Stadio Euganeo in Padua.

“We are getting better‚” he said about improving the team’s consistency. “We want to be successful in every test.

“We’ve started this year with a new group of players. I’m really happy with where we are as a group.

“There are guys who have played 11‚ 12 tests now. Their development I’m pleased with.

“We went up‚ against New Zealand it came down‚ went up‚ we drew against Australia‚ it went down against Ireland and now it is up again.

“From where we started and where we are, I’m really satisfied.

“If you look at the whole thing‚ and I like to use graphs because I was a teacher for 18 years.

“Where we started out and where we are now it is a massive improvement.

“It is still a massive game. We need to get the result,” Coetzee said. ý Marx fit and raring to go against Wales – Page 15 ý Fitting spot for Coetzee to end stint as Bok coach – Page 15