Gap at the top of game needs filling
South Africa’s coaching firmament isn’t exactly awash with men who can take top jobs internationally. Liam del Carme looks at the young coaches who need to change that perception in 2016
Paul Treu (Stormers)
Treu has quietly transitioned to the 15-man code as defence coach at the Stormers. The Stormers’ defence again held firm this season, but Treu is developing it so that it no longer is their defining characteristic.
He wants the Stormers to defend more aggressively so they can win turnovers and score more tries. Given his qualifications, many options are open to the former Blitzbokke coach, whose contract with Western Province expires in 2017.
Franco Smith (Cheetahs)
Smith stepped in as Cheetahs Super Rugby coach for the last two matches this season.
The team acquitted itself well with their exuberant style but at times it also proved their undoing in the Currie Cup. With so many young players, the Cheetahs will be a work in progress for the time being. Their devilmay-care style will win them friends but Smith can only build a legacy with regular wins.
Johann van Graan (Boks)
Many saw the elevation of unheralded Van Graan to the Springbok ranks as a surprise.
Heyneke Meyer probably saw a bit of himself in the young coach, who took charge of the Springbok forwards. Van Graan is a modern coach who uses stats and technology. While he, for the most part, went about his business in the background with the Springboks, he must emerge from Meyer’s shadow and make a prudent move.
Robbie Fleck (Stormers)
The former Springbok centre has been named interim Stormers head coach after Eddie Jones breezed in and out of Cape Town. As attack coach since 2010, “Robbie” didn’t seem to carry clout as the Stormers rarely drifted from their defence-orientated style. As interim coach he can exert more control over the team’s methods and he will be judged accordingly.
Nollis Marais (Bulls)
Marais’s star shot into orbit after his appointment as the Blue Bulls’ Currie Cup coach.
The Bulls’ well-worn game plan was tossed out the window as Marais sought to broaden the team’s horizons. The Bulls, too, attracted new fans with their adventurous approach. But it must be to Marais’s eternal frustration that they lacked the courage of their conviction when it was needed most in the Currie Cup semifinal. Some will argue he should break down the Bulls’ inner pragmatist.
John Dobson (Western Province)
Dobson was another fresh breeze on the senior coaching scene. His white-knuckle approach and brutal honesty found favour with those who had to report on it, but he would have been disappointed with the way his Western Province side fell short in the Currie Cup final. Dobson will take Western Province to places they are yet to see, but not all in the union will admire the view.