Bok coach has to go!
SPRINGBOK fans have simply had enough! The record 38-3 loss to Ireland was surely the last straw? Diehard Bok fans cannot fathom coach Allister Coetzee still being in the hot-seat come 2018 and Saturday’s one point victory over a poor French outfit is not fooling anyone!
All one has to do is peruse the CV of the guy to see just why he needs to finally be relieved of his duties or resign gracefully, with a bit of dignity still in-tact. Apart from the record 38-3 loss, we suffered our first ever home loss to Ireland, in Coetzee’s first ever match in charge. We then suffered our biggest ever loss to New Zealand (57-15) and and our largest ever loss (57-0) in our rich and proud history.
Add to this our first ever loss to Italy last year, our first loss to England in ten years, our biggest ever loss to Wales and the worst ever season (2016) statistically by a Springbok coach (including a winless European tour), and you have a record that would probably not get him too much work after his stint as Bok coach is over.
Some may point out that I am over critical of Coetzee but he has unfortunately provided me with too much ammunition. He is a genuinely nice, friendly guy who tries hard . . . much like the current team. Perhaps his personality has rubbed off on the players? What we need is a total overhaul by hiring a Kiwi mastermind. Names such as Wayne Smith and Dave Rennie come to mind. This new coach needs to be given at least two years to prepare for the 2019 World Cup.
I implore SA Rugby to do something about the current situation soon, no matter what happens against Italy and Wales in the coming weeks.
OUR hopes of hosting the Rugby World Cup 2023 were dashed last week with the powers that be choosing France.
The country hosted the event a mere ten years ago, how pathetic! Yes, SA didn’t deserve it either, as we have had our turn and are currently in such an unstable political and financial climate. Yes, we have the world class stadia, infrastructure and pedigree but the game needs to grow. Countries such as America and Argentina need to be given the chance to spread the game as hosts.
ENGLISH Premier League fans welcomed the return to action of their favourite teams after the international break and were not left disappointed.
The Manchester City juggernaut continued their march towards the title, while their neighbours welcomed back big guns such as Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovich, to the delight of their fans. Yes, United can trounce the smaller teams but can they mix it up with the big boys? Time will tell.
IN CLOSING, well done to Chad Le Clos on a record fourth Fina World Cup title and to the Proteas on their new management team.