I want to leave rugby in a better place . . .
Liam del Carme puts Allister Coetzee in the hot seat
Should you have had this job sooner? It has been said that I should but that sounds arrogant. Because of what I know now, I think it is the best time. Eight years ago I would not have known as much as I do now. The extra (eight) years have meant a lot to me. How will becoming Springbok coach affect your family? I couldn’t take this job if my family wasn't ready. With the Japan job I was going to be home for four months but with this job I’m here but I will potentially see them less. Would they be prepared for that? We have family values that we cherish and if it meant we have to make sacrifices, then so be it. That goes for my wife, two daughters and grandchild. This has been a life-long journey. What did you learn in Japan that you can apply here? I couldn’t speak the language. I had to figure out how the Japanese players will play for me. That is the challenge for any coach. I had a translator. I had to learn to make everything concise because even communicating simple things took a long time. I kept things to the point and concise. The practices were the same — short but with intensity. Springbok coaches make mistakes. Are there any specific ones you have noted and will avoid repeating? Life is about learning from others’ mistakes, as well as your own. If I were in their position maybe I would have taken an even worse decision. I want to go to the former coaches and talk to them. You can’t just see the previous coaches as failures. There is so much expertise in South African rugby, why not use it? Heyneke (Meyer) and I talk. The previous coach was criticised for not having strong enough voices in his coaching team. Will your assistants get scope to express themselves? My policy is an inclusive one. I believe that I have to allow people to develop to their full potential. They have their own responsibilities. I won’t be prescriptive but they have to take ownership. I don’t believe in people that agree with me all the time. At the end of the day the head coach has the final say. There is more to Springbok team culture than just traditional values and a commitment to excellence. Does the culture need tweaking? You have to change it because there are always young players coming in. Certain things may not be as relevant today as they used to be. Even technology has an impact.
I’m not talking about changing the team culture completely but one has to be aware that it has to evolve to be inclusive and dynamic. How do you respond to your critics who say you did not evolve the Stormers’ attack in your time there? It doesn’t matter what I do, people will have the perception. I know in my heart that on each occasion, that was the best way to play to get Western Province or the Stormers to win and by extension create a winning culture.
We also realised that the game was evolving therefore you can’t just defend to win matches. My philosophy is simple. For me, there are a couple of pressure points. Set piece, defence, kicking game and ball in hand. If you don’t make headway through the one, you find another. For the coach it is also about making the right decision at the right time. Some of your predecessors were guided by size in making certain selections. Do you also place as much value on players’ physical dimensions? I do realise that physicality is a big prerequisite but that is not the most important criteria. I’m not just talking about size but awareness.
Gio Aplon used his body in such a way that he could make his presence felt in contact situations. Now suddenly people are saying Damian McKenzie is an All Black. He is the same size as Cheslin Kolbe.
I’m just throwing out names here but take a guy like Faf de Klerk. People say he’s small but he has such an amazing feeling for the game. Maybe he has what it takes that allows us to play a dynamic game.
Aaron Smith may slip a few tackles but jeez, look at what brilliance he offers in attack.
There is a balance that you have to strike. You have to ask who is going to add value to your team. Some of your predecessors relied heavily on experienced players. Will you do the same? Before you discard players you have to know those coming in are good enough. You can’t just discard players just because you are the new coach. With some established flyhalves injured, what have you made of Elton Jantjies’ performances?
I think it is an area in which the Springboks can improve. I would like to spend time with them so that we can be clear on when to kick, take the line or when to pass.
Elton has really taken charge and control of that position for the Lions.
I’m also looking forward to seeing Pat Lambie when he returns from injury. What are you looking for in a Springbok captain? He must pick himself. There can be no doubt about his presence in the starting lineup.
He must be a warrior and he must be prepared to bleed for his country. What is the legacy you want to leave? There will always be renewal but there has to be some constants as well. I have to be able to leave Springbok rugby in a better place . . . on and off the field. To leave something for the next guy to build on.