Coetzee a shoo-in for the Bok job
A local coach is the most likely, given the demands
THE search for the 13th postisolation Springbok coach in the wake of incumbent Heyneke Meyer’s decision not to seek a renewal, should be a short hunt.
Allister Coetzee, the former Stormers mentor and Bok assistant coach when they won the 2007 World Cup in France, is set to be named as the new man in the hot seat after the South African Rugby Union’s (Saru) executive council meets on Friday.
But Saru are keeping up appearances by saying that a “process” will be followed and that applications will be welcomed, with Oregan Hoskins dismissing claims that Coetzee was the favourite.
“You guys [the media] seem to know more than me,” Saru president Hoskins said. “We are not going to rush in naming a new coach.”
Hoskins was very clear what the main criteria of the new coach would be when applicants apply: “Whoever applies for the Springbok coaching job [he] must know that transformation has to be top of the agenda.”
He said it would be “silly not to consider a foreigner”, but it is hard to imagine that the likes of Robbie Deans, Graham Henry, Clive Woodward, Wayne Smith or any other foreign coach who hasn’t worked in the South African environment, would make transformation their main priority.
So a local coach is the most likely — or at least a man who has experience of the local environment. Allister Coetzee (coach of Kobe Kobleco in Japan) Age: 52
It’s almost impossible to see anyone else taking the Bok reins given the criteria. He has been successful at both domestic and international level.
BEEN THERE, DONE IT AND WON IT: Former Stormers mentor and Bok assistant coach Allister Coetzee
Two Currie Cup titles as Western Province coach, three times SA Super Rugby conference winner at the helm of the Stormers, including one final appearance in 2010 and a Tri-Nations and World Cup winners’ medal. Coetzee also boasts an impressive transformation record as Stormers coach. He selected seven or more black players last season. Given that transformation is the main performance indicator for the next Bok coach, it’s a good starting point. But more than that, he is affable, understands the game, is well liked by players and has a good understanding of the outside pressures of the job. He also has a good working relationship with Saru’s manager of rugby, Rassie Erasmus. That is vital, as Erasmus looks set to play a more hands-on role in the next coaching set-up. Jake White (coach of Montpellier in France) Age: 52
Any serious discussion about a future South African Springbok coach has to include White. He took the Boks to the World Cup title in 2007 and was at the helm for 54 test matches between 2004/07.
He had a fractious relationship with his bosses at Saru but ultimately he delivered the biggest prize in rugby.
In terms of transformation, White selected the most black players by any coach in history (23) in his time in charge. In the intervening years he took the Brumbies from 13th on the Super Rugby standings to finalists two seasons later. He also guided the Sharks to the semifinals of Super Rugby and has turned Montpellier from relegation strugglers last season to title chasers this year. Johan Ackermann (Lions Currie Cup and Super Rugby coach) Age: 45
A talented young coach who oversaw the Lions’ best Super Rugby run last season with nine wins. He also guided the team to a Currie Cup title in October as they won all their games. His teams also play an entertaining brand of rugby.
Ackermann, however, needs a few more years to earn his stripes and also has to improve his transformation credentials. The Lions generally only picked three black players, which won’t be good enough in the coming years. John Mitchell (currently not coaching) Age: 51
The former All Blacks coach is known as a disciplinarian but also an astute tactical brain. He is at best an outsider though because he is set to take up the vacant Stormers coaching position. Outsiders for the job:
Frans Ludeke (Former Bulls Super Rugby winning coach) aged 47, and Wayne Smith (former All Black and Chiefs coach), aged 58.