New-look Springboks consign horrible year to history

SPRINGBOKS coach Allister Coetzee was pleased to take the first of the threeTest series but warned his team they will need to improve with encounters in Durban and Johannesburg remaining.

With five Springboks making their Test debuts, it was an impressive nofrills win for South Africa, but France should be stronger next Saturday when seven stars rested after the domestic Top 14 final will be available.

Jesse Kriel, Ross Cronje and Jan Serfontein crossed the line for South Africa, while they were also awarded a penalty try.

Fly-half Elton Jantjies delivered a flawless kicking performance, slotting three penalties and three conversions.

“We certainly did take a step in the right direction today,” said Coetzee.

“This was the first of 13 Test matches for the season and at least we started with a positive performance and for that I am pretty pleased. We’ve closed the chapter on 2016 and this year we need to keep improving as a team.

“I have selected the best available team out there for this series, so it is pleasing that we won. We have the belief and ability in the team, but the victory was a baby step.”

Jantjies got the scoreboard ticking with two early penalties before the first try of the game came just after the hour mark from Kriel, who side stepped his way into the 22 area after he was set-up by his Andries Coetzee.

France scored their first two minutes later through Henry Chavancy who benefited from the bounce of the ball to stroll over.

Jantjies scored his third penalty of the match on the stroke of half time to give South Africa a narrow 16-7 lead going into the break.

France came out fighting in the second half where they put Springboks under

pressure and it came as little surprise when Baptiste Serin scored their second try of the match

Debutant Ross Cronje hit back for the Boks, set up by new skipper Warren Whitelely, and Jan Serfontein’s try made the game safe in the 69th minute.

No.8 Whitely said: “We’ve established some good foundations. Our cover defence was good, but we’ll keep our feet on the ground – the remaining two matches will not be easy.”