Coetzee denies calling for ‘help’
SPRINGBOK coach Allister Coetzee yesterday denied claims that he sent out an SOS call to SA Rugby (Saru) to bolster his coaching team.
Weekend media reports suggested that the coach‚ who is facing criticism for his side’s poor performance in the Rugby Championship this year where they won just one match‚ had made a plea to the country’s rugby governing body to assist by allocating additional coaching staff.
“If I have a problem with the management team‚ I’ll sort it out with the management team; and I’d sort it out with SA rugby. At this point in time‚ there are no issues from my side,” said Coetzee.
Newly appointed defence coach Chean Roux has come under fire for his role in the side that has looked shaky while backline coach Mzwandile Stick has borne the brunt of a critical South African media and public.
Coetzee remains confident that he and his coaching staff are working hard to ensure that the Boks return to winning ways after three consecutive defeats to Argentina‚ Australia and New Zealand.
The Boks will be hoping to bounce back on Saturday when they take on the Wallabies in a test at Loftus Versfeld (5.05pm). “The mood in the camp is positive‚ and we are looking forward to this week‚” said Coetzee.
“Obviously‚ [the Rugby Championship campaign] has not gone the way we planned‚ but we have to reset our goals again.
“There is still a lot to play for in this competition‚ although we must give credit to New Zealand for clinching the Rugby Championship.
“As a group we still have our ambitions‚ our objectives‚ and hopefully we can start this weekend at Loftus.”
The Bok side has been bolstered by the return of flyhalf Pat Lambie and fullback Willie le Roux for their home leg of the competition which will see them take on Australia in Pretoria before facing the All Blacks in Durban next week.
The coach confirmed that Lambie, 25, will be considered for selection this weekend against the Wallabies.
“I’m thrilled to be back and be part of the group again. I’ve missed being a part of the Springboks‚” an excited Lambie said yesterday.
Coetzee will name his match-day 23 squad on Thursday.